1995.16
Cube
Artist
Sol LeWitt
(Hartford, Connecticut, 9/9/1928 - 4/8/2007, New York City, New York)
Title
Cube
Creation Date
1991
Century
20th century
Dimensions
20 3/8 in. x 28 3/16 in. (51.75 cm. x 71.6 cm.)
Object Type
watercolor
Creation Place
North America, United States
Medium and Support
gouache on paper
Credit Line
Museum Purchase, Elizabeth B. G. Hamlin Fund
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
1995.16
Cubes were of particular interest to conceptual artist Sol LeWitt, who created two- and three-dimensional geometric forms that lent themselves to infinite expansion. He noted in 1966: “Compared to any other three-dimensional form, the cube lacks any aggressive force, implies no motion, and is least emotive. Therefore, it is the best form to use as a basic unit for any more elaborate function, the grammatical device from which the work may proceed.” A move to Spoleto, Italy, in the late 1970s renewed LeWitt’s interest in fresco painting. “Cube,” a 1991 gouache on paper, combines austere forms with muted primary tones and emulates the texture and saturation of fresco. Shown in isometric perspective on a brushy black ground, the form conveys the illusion of space; however, its flat planes lack any shadow or modeling, questioning whether “cube” describes a tangible object or a mental construct.
