Texture Series — Number I

David Ferranti, Texture Series - Number I, 1996, sterling silver, glass and straight pins, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1997.83.1, © 1996, David Ferranti
David Ferranti, Texture Series - Number I, 1996, sterling silver, glass and straight pins, 2 x 2 x 3⁄4 in. (5.1 x 5.1 x 1.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1997.83.1, © 1996, David Ferranti

Artwork Details

Title
Texture Series — Number I
Artist
Date
1996
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 x 2 x 3⁄4 in. (5.1 x 5.1 x 1.8 cm)
Copyright
© 1996, David Ferranti
Credit Line
Gift of an anonymous donor
Mediums
Mediums Description
sterling silver, glass and straight pins
Classifications
Object Number
1997.83.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.83.1

Artwork Description

David Ferranti used unlikely materials such as graphite, straight pins, and safety glass in place of precious gemstones. He enclosed these industrial “specimens” in glass cases, making brooches that resemble 35mm slides. The cases prevent the viewer from actually touching the materials and so emphasize the visual properties over the “feel” of the pieces. These brooches also remind us of the “curiosity cabinets” that scientists and collectors created centuries ago.

Works by this artist (6 items)

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David Smith, Europa and Calf, 1956-1957, bronze/poured and hammered on stone base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1978.30
Europa and Calf
Artist
Date1956-1957
bronze/poured and hammered on stone base
On view
David Smith, Reclining Figure, 1935, iron, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Samuel G. Rose and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2013.6
Reclining Figure
Artist
Date1935
iron
Not on view
David Smith, Untitled, ca. 1951, ink and tempera on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1979.104
Untitled
Artist
Dateca. 1951
ink and tempera on paper
Not on view
David Smith, Private Law and Order Leagues (study for medallion, Medals for Dishonor series), ca. 1938-1939, felt-tipped pen and ink (from verso) and pen and ink on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by Olin Dows, 1988.60
Private Law and Order Leagues (study for medallion, Medals…
Artist
Dateca. 1938-1939
felt-tipped pen and ink (from verso) and pen and ink on paper
Not on view

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Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Artist
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Henry Salem Hubbell, Henry Wolf, The Goldfish, 1913, photomechanical wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Lester Neuman, 1964.10.6
The Goldfish
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Date1913
photomechanical wood engraving on paper
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Toni Zepf, Reclamation, from the Early Series, ca. 1938, photomechanical reproduction on paper mounted on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.309
Reclamation, from the Early Series
Artist
Dateca. 1938
photomechanical reproduction on paper mounted on paperboard
Not on view