Object number1985.19.20
(Untitled)
Portfolio/Seriesfrom the series Inflammatory Essays
Date1979-1982
Artist
Jenny Holzer
(American, 1950-)
CultureAmerican
MediumCommercial offset lithograph in black ink on thin, wove blue paper
EditionUnlimited edition
DimensionsSheet: 17 x 17 in. (43.2 x 43.2 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
On View
Not on viewPeriod20th c
Classification(s)
InscribedOn verso, by unidentified hand, lower right corner in pencil: 85.19.20
ProvenancePurchased from Rhona Hoffman GalleryVassar Exhibitions
Exhibition HistoryPresses, Pop, and Pomade: American Prints Since the Sixties, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, January 13 - March 19, 2006DescriptionBlack italic text against a blue background reads: AVERT THY MORTAL EYES FROM / SIGHTS THAT SEAR THE ORBS OF / MEN. KEEP THY THOUGHTS FROM / THE LABYRINTHINE PATH THAT / LEADS FROM ARROGANT KNOWLEDGE / TO FIERY DESTRUCTION. SEEK NOT / THE LIGHTNING STRIKE THAT SUMMONS / LIFE NOR THE DARK VORTEX THAT IS / DEATH BEFORE REDEMPTION. NEITHER / CRY ALOUD NOR SHAKE CLENCHED / FISTS AT THE GOD WHOSE PLAN IS / TERRIBLE BUT PERFECT. CONCEIVE / NO THEORIES, BUILD NO STOPGAPS / AGAINST THE INEVITABLE AND THE / DIVINE. INSTEAD, LOVE THY / WIFE AND TENDER CHILDRES, GRASP / AND SAVOR THE BOUNTEOUS EARTH. / CONCERN THYSELF WITH WHAT WAS / FREELY GIVEN AS THY BIRTHRIGHT. / VENTURE MORE AND INVITE PERDITION.
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