Prägnanz Series

Copied William Carlson, Prägnanz Series, 1988, granite and cast and laminated glass, overall: 27 3⁄8 x 18 x 6 3⁄4 in. (69.5 x 45.7 x 17.2 cm) part A: 12 x 16 x 4 3⁄8 in. (30.5 x 40.7 x 11.2 cm.) part B: 12 1⁄8 x 13 x 14 in. (30.8 x 33.0 x 10.2 cm) part C: 12 1⁄2 x 15 5⁄8 x 4 3⁄4 in. (31.8 x 39.7 x 12.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Annie and Mike Belkin, 1992.40

Artwork Details

Title
Prägnanz Series
Artist
Date
1988
Location
Dimensions
overall: 27 3⁄8 x 18 x 6 3⁄4 in. (69.5 x 45.7 x 17.2 cm) part A: 12 x 16 x 4 3⁄8 in. (30.5 x 40.7 x 11.2 cm.) part B: 12 1⁄8 x 13 x 14 in. (30.8 x 33.0 x 10.2 cm) part C: 12 1⁄2 x 15 5⁄8 x 4 3⁄4 in. (31.8 x 39.7 x 12.1 cm)
Markings
part a underside near edge engraved: William Carlson/1988 ©
Credit Line
Gift of Annie and Mike Belkin
Mediums
Mediums Description
granite and cast and laminated glass
Classifications
Object Number
1992.40
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1992.40

Artwork Description

Prägnanz is a German word that means "conciseness," and describes the ability of objects to be arranged in a way that is both simple and balanced. William Carlson carefully stacks his geometric shapes to create solid, looming towers of glass and granite.

Luce Object Quote
"A lot of what glass is about is light, and my faceting brings light into play." William Carlson, Braniff Magazine, 1989