Plane/Figure Series C (Double Panel)

Robert Mangold (American, born in 1937)

1993

Medium/Technique Acrylic and black pencil on canvas

Dimensions Two panels, together 284.5 x 426.7 cm (112 x 168 in.)

Credit Line Museum purchase with funds donated by the Ives Family Fund, gift of the Linde Family Foundation, Contemporary Curator's Fund, and Davis and Carol Noble

Accession Number2000.980

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas

ClassificationsPaintings

Mangold first gained critical attention in the 1960's for his "Minimalist" paintings and continues to be internationally acclaimed for his elegant work. He is best known for his deeply colored canvasses, often physically divided into several parts, which utilize graceful geometric shapes to encourage exploration of the picture plane. Plane/ Figure Series C (Double Panel) is unique among the nine other works in the series in its use of only one color. The two ellipses, crossing over the physical divide to delicately touch at a single point, serve to create a tension between Figure and Plane. Issues of space and perception are subtly suggested but left to the viewer to explore further.

ProvenanceThe artist; with PaceWildenstein, New York; purchased by MFA, Boston, November 15, 2000