Accession Number1969/2.28
TitleCheckpoint I
Artist(s)Jimmy ErnstArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1963Medium & Supportoil on masoniteDimensions 11 1/8 in x 15 1/16 in (28.26 cm x 38.26 cm);15 1/16 in x 18 7/8 in (38.26 cm x 47.94 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Irving LevittSubject matterJimmy Ernst, son of the surrealist Max Ernst, was a prominent member of the Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist movements in his own right.
Checkpoint I features bright and unnatural colors and lines that are arranged with strategic skill in geometric patterns. The scene is reminiscent of a checkpoint tower along a border with a fence and barbed wire. Ernst was born in Germany so it is possible that he is referencing the Berlin wall, which was erected in 1961.
Physical DescriptionThis painting has a large tower of geometric lines and shapes on the right side and and a large square with similar lines on the left side. In the foreground, along the bottom edge of the painting, is an arrangment of rectangles that are criss-crossed with additional lines. Bright blue, red, yellow and white appear throughout the painting.
Primary Object ClassificationPaintingCollection AreaModern and ContemporaryRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
abstraction
border inspection stations
geometric patterns
modern and contemporary art