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Red Form

Irene Rice Pereira

Red Form

1939-1940

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Red Form

Irene Rice Pereira

Red Form

Irene Rice Pereira

Red Form

1939-1940

Physical Qualities Paint on glass and board, Framed: 17 1/4 × 14 13/16 in. (43.8 × 37.6 cm.) Unframed: 10 1/2 × 8 in. (26.7 × 20.3 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Michael and Anis Merson, Baltimore
Object Number 2010.44
This small work—with its reverse-painted glass layered above the painted panel beneath—embodies several of Irene Pereira’s artistic interests, including her appreciation for the geometric, abstract shapes associated with the aesthetic of the Bauhaus design school in Germany. Pereira often explored space and perception, as well as different materials: note how the shadows cast by the painted glass shift as you move back and forth. Though the title seems misleading, the painted panel underneath is composed of bright shapes including a central dark red form (see photo below), but the overlay of blue-painted glass cools those tones into harmonies of purples, blues, and greens, which are echoed in the artist’s treatment of the frame’s edge.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2010; Michael Merson, Baltimore, by purchase 1975; Alex Cooper Auction, Baltimore; J. Vandenbergh; A.C.A. Gallery, New York
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, c. 1950.

A.C.A. Gallery, New York, dates unknown.

Virginia Anderson, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "By Their Creative Force: American Women Modernists," October 6, 2019 — July 5, 2020

Inscribed: Front: signed, bottom right, pencil, "I. RICE PErEIra" Frame: Inscribed, upper left, pencil, "IRene Pereira"; center, pencil, "Red" [obscured by label]; upper left, red crayon, "82" [within circle]; upper left, green crayon, "R 922". Labels: Small oval red sticker, upper left, pencil, "33". Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, printed label, upper left, inscribed, black ink, "Irene Pereira/Romminale[?] in rood/Private collector/cat 91". ACA Gallery, New York, printed label, upper right, inscribed, black ink, "I. RICE PEREIRA/RED FORM/4" and "PROPERTY/OF/J. VANDENBERGH". Two partial newspaper clippings at upper right. Backing board: Upper half, green crayon, "R 922" [crossed out with black crayon]; at center, black crayon, "33"; lower half, pencil "82" [upside down].

Not on View

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