Untitled Vessel

Ralph Bacerra, Untitled Vessel, 2000, earthenware with overglazed enamels and metallic lusters, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Greenberg Foundation, Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, and Carol and Charles Rademaker and their children Garth and Louise, 2002.4A-B
Copied Ralph Bacerra, Untitled Vessel, 2000, earthenware with overglazed enamels and metallic lusters, 34 3⁄4 x 16 1⁄2 in. (88.3 x 41.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Greenberg Foundation, Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, and Carol and Charles Rademaker and their children Garth and Louise, 2002.4A-B

Artwork Details

Title
Untitled Vessel
Artist
Date
2000
Location
Dimensions
34 3⁄4 x 16 1⁄2 in. (88.3 x 41.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of The Greenberg Foundation, Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, and Carol and Charles Rademaker and their children Garth and Louise
Mediums Description
earthenware with overglazed enamels and metallic lusters
Classifications
Object Number
2002.4A-B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2002.4A-B

Artwork Description

Ralph Bacerra uses spiraling lines, squares, dots, and incisions to lead the eye around the entire piece. He makes no preliminary sketches before starting a new vessel, relying on each element of his work to inspire him as he goes along. As he says, “I put a color down and that leads to another color and shapes begin to emerge . . .” (quoted in American Style, Summer 2001). The bold colors for which Bacerra is known stem from the varying temperatures in the kiln.