Geschichte vom Teuren Brot

Accession Number
1973/1.803

Title
Geschichte vom Teuren Brot

Artist(s)
Asger Jorn

Artist Nationality
Danish (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1972

Medium & Support
lithograph on BFK Rives paper

Dimensions
14 3/4 in x 18 7/8 in (37.47 cm x 47.94 cm);22 3/16 in x 29 15/16 in (56.36 cm x 76.04 cm);29 in x 39 in (73.66 cm x 99.06 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Label copy
Asger Jorn
Denmark, 1914–1973
Untitled, from the suite Die Geshichte vom Teuren Brot
1972
Color lithograph
Museum purchase, 1973/1.803
(Flip Your Field: Abstract Art from the Collection, June 9 – September 2, 2012, text by Celeste Brusati)

Subject matter
This composition was created for an artist's book, titled "The Story of Expensive Bread." It was created toward the very end of Jorn's life, during a time when he was still heavily influenced by the Situational International. As part of this, and throughout his career, Jorn's ideologies followed beliefs that were somewhat Marxist and vehemently opposed the traditional structures of the art establishment. This project was likely created as part of Jorn's critique of a capitalist society. In the print, the expressive, non-figural strokes of color appear almost aggressive and reflects Jorn's rejection of convention. He saw this technique as a form of activism both artistically and socially.

Physical Description
This abstract color lithograph is comprised of various patches of color that show the mark of the brush used to apply them to the stone. Patches of grey and black marks run diagonally through the center of the work from the upper left corner to the lower right. There is a large portion of blue color at the top edge of the work, with green patches on either side in the upper left and right corners. There are also red marks in the lower left corner. The print is signed and dated (l.r.) "Jorn 72" and editioned (l.l.) "E.d.A." in pencil. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
artist's proof

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
abstraction
artists' books (books)
artists' proofs
modern and contemporary art
social issues

& Author Notes

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