Money

Mel Bochner, Money, 2005, acrylic and oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.49.1, © 2005, Mel Bochner
Mel Bochner, Money, 2005, acrylic and oil on canvas, 6080 in. (152.4203.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.49.1, © 2005, Mel Bochner

Artwork Details

Title
Money
Artist
Date
2005
Dimensions
6080 in. (152.4203.2 cm)
Copyright
© 2005, Mel Bochner
Credit Line
Gift of the James F. Dicke Family
Mediums Description
acrylic and oil on canvas
Classifications
Object Number
2013.49.1

Artwork Description

Bochner's fascination with language inspires him to fill notebooks with synonyms that he collects for months or even years before executing paintings based on particular "key" words. In Money, the varied colors Bochner chose for each word or phrase subvert a linear reading of the regimented lines. Slang terms like "cheddar" and juxtaposed with biblical phrases like "root of all evil" to highlight the rich vocabulary people use to describe the ubiquitous reality of currency.

Works by this artist (1 item)

Jules Dupré, Maxime Lalanne, Landscape with Deer, n.d., etching, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Nigel Cholmeley-Jones, 1967.54.10
Landscape with Deer
Daten.d.
etching
Not on view

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Edward Sachse, Smithsonian Institute, ca. 1855, hand-colored lithograph, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Al Marzorini in honor of Harry Lowe, 2019.23
Smithsonian Institute
Dateca. 1855
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Marching As to War
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Pharoh’s Horses
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Jakob Steinhardt, Untitled, n.d., etching, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Adelyn D. Breeskin, 1970.61
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