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Beth Tet

Morris Louis (American, 1912–1962)
1958

Medium/Technique Acrylic solution (Magna) on canvas
Dimensions 232.4 x 338.5 cm (91 1/2 x 133 1/4 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Marcella Louis Brenner
Accession Number1972.1072
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsPaintings
In this major example of Louis's classic Veil series, the artist started with pours of strongly colored, highly diluted Magna paint (see the top edges) and then poured brown thinned Magna over these intense color washes to create the dark veil. The two faint vertical lines are probably the marks of a temporary stretcher Louis used to manipulate the large expanse of canvas as he worked. He may also have used some form of tool, such as a card or padded stick, to help him direct the paint flow. Louis preferred to work in private, so specifics about his technique remain unknown. The titles and dates of his works were mainly determined after his death by others.

ProvenanceThe artist; to Mrs. Marcella Louis Brenner, Washington, 1962; to MFA, Boston, 1972
Copyright© Morris Louis