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Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Cadwallader.
Prototype Tree
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Cadwallader.
Contact us at copyright@samuseum.org for rights and reproduction of this image. Photography by Peggy Tenison. © Harry Bertoia / Celia Bertoia

Prototype Tree

Artist Harry Bertoia (American, 1915 - 1978)
DepartmentContemporary Art
Dateca. 1967
MediumBronze
Dimensionsh. 31 in. (78.7 cm)
w. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
d. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Cadwallader
Object number2005.16
Copyright© Estate of Harry Bertoia / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
DescriptionSculpture comprised of many small vertical rods originating from a square base. The rods are gathered in small groups and fan out slightly towards the top.Label Text"Wire forms have a great range of expressions. Their constructions pertain to space rather than ground, and their configurations can be light, airy, almost floating. Wire is easy to work with, easy to experiment with. It can be flexed and formed quickly, by hand, allowing almost immediate visual inspection of the form of an idea." - Harry Bertoia From the late 1950s through the early 1970s, Bertoia experimented frequently with bundled wires like the bronze rods used to form this sculpture. Although he thought of his efforts as explorations of abstract lines and shapes, he also recognized the relationship of his sculptures to nature — in that the abstractions may suggest trees, pods, or bushes. Bertoia is also recognized worldwide for his invention of the "Bertoia Chair," a popular diamond-shaped chair made from polished steel wire. (David Rubin, 2012)SignedSigned and dated: Bertoia 30 Jan '05
Not on view
San Antonio Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Cadwallader.
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Gift of Nancy B. Negley.
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Quien Sabe Ranch - Channning, Texas Men Branding
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1973-1975
Museum Purchase: Stark-Willson Collection
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Culture: Roman
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Image Not Available for Vase
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Culture: Chinese
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San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. Marie Schwarz.
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Jane Allensworth
1982
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1982
San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of The Sheerin Family in Honor of the Artist.
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Celia Eberle
2016
San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with the Grace Fortner Rider Fund.
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Culture: Greek
3rd-2nd century BC
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The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

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