Prototype Tree
Artist:
Harry Bertoia
(American, 1915 - 1978)
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions:
h. 31 in. (78.7 cm); w. 15 in. (38.1 cm); d. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Cadwallader
Object number: 2005.16
Signed: Signed and dated: Bertoia 30 Jan '05
Copyright: © Estate of Harry Bertoia / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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)
- 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)
Not on view
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.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
