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Thumbnail-size images of copyrighted artworks are displayed under fair use, in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts, published by the College Art Association in February 2015.
The Autonomous Spiral #2
Clarence John Laughlin (American, 1905–1985)
1949
Medium/Technique
Photograph, gelatin silver print
Dimensions
Sheet: 33.6 x 26.8 cm (13 1/4 x 10 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of George Slade in memory of M.J. Czarniecki
Accession Number2010.1197
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Photography
ClassificationsPhotographs
DescriptionThe photograph relates to a corresponding interpretive caption by Laughlin (published in, Davis, Keith. "Clarence John Laughlin: Visionary Photographer." Kansas City, Missouri: Hallmark Cards, Inc., 1990., pg. 162):
Entering Ellerslie Plantation, our attention is at once captured by the extremely pure form of the magnificent spiral staircase which uncoils upwards. The picture has been made in such a way that, visually, the staircase starts to detach itself from the walls, and to exist as a free, and almost abstract, form in space. Something of the mystery of spiral staircases is expressed here in the way the staircase pulls the eye toward a space nexus.
Entering Ellerslie Plantation, our attention is at once captured by the extremely pure form of the magnificent spiral staircase which uncoils upwards. The picture has been made in such a way that, visually, the staircase starts to detach itself from the walls, and to exist as a free, and almost abstract, form in space. Something of the mystery of spiral staircases is expressed here in the way the staircase pulls the eye toward a space nexus.
ProvenanceAnn Czarniecki; 2009, to George Slade, Boston; 2010, year-end gift of Slade to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 26, 2011)