What topics does Number 1-82 explore?

abstract, color field, geometric, horizontal bands, minimalism, vibrant colors, modern art, stain painting

Is Number 1-82 under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

What is the thematic context of Number 1-82?

washington color school, stain painting innovation, color as primary subject, color field painting, abstract expressionism, geometric abstraction, chromatic exploration, emotional color

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Morris Louis
Number 1-82

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Number 1-82

Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Color Field Painting
1961
208.0 x 84.0 cm
The Phillips Collection

Discover Morris Louis’ ‘Number 1-82,’ a vibrant Color Field masterpiece! Explore its bold horizontal bands, stark contrast & minimalist design – a key work of American art.

Explore Morris Louis (1912-1962), a pioneer of Color Field painting! Discover his innovative veil paintings, vibrant hues & lasting impact on abstract art.

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Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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Number 1-82

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Quick Facts

Movement: Color Field Painting
Location: Private Collection
Artistic style: Abstract Expressionism
Notable elements or techniques: Veil painting; Layered color application
Medium: Oil on Textile Veil
Artist: Morris Louis
Subject or theme: Chromatic Exploration

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What artistic movement is Morris Louis’ ‘Number 1-82’ primarily associated with?

Cubism

Impressionism

Color Field Painting

Question 2:

The painting utilizes Magna paint, which is known for its distinctive characteristic:

Transparency

Opacity

Reflectivity

Question 3:

What is the dominant visual element in ‘Number 1-82’?

Detailed portraiture

Geometric shapes

Horizontal bands of color

Question 4:

Approximately when was ‘Number 1-82’ created?

1905

1945

1961

Question 5:

What is a key symbolic interpretation of the colors employed in ‘Number 1-82’?

Representation of religious figures

Expression of emotional states

Depiction of landscapes

Artwork Description

Morris Louis: A Symphony of Color and Texture

Morris Louis (1912-1962), born in Baltimore, Maryland, emerged as a singular voice within the burgeoning landscape of American abstract expressionism. Despite eschewing formal academic training—he attended MICA but didn’t earn a degree—Louis possessed an innate artistic sensibility nurtured by influences ranging from Eugène Speicher to Paul Cézanne and bolstered by early explorations into textile art.

The Veil Technique: Innovation at Its Finest

Louis revolutionized painting with his groundbreaking “veil” technique, developed in collaboration with Leo Stein of Magna Paint. This method involved applying Magna paint onto a stretched fabric—typically muslin—allowing it to drip and spread organically across the surface. Unlike traditional brushstrokes, this process yielded unpredictable patterns of color, resulting in mesmerizing textures and captivating visual rhythms. The drips themselves weren’t merely accidental; Louis meticulously controlled their trajectory, creating deliberate variations within each veil.

“Number 1-82”: Exploring Chromatic Relationships

"Number 1-82," created in 1961, exemplifies Louis's masterful command of Color Field painting. The artwork is dominated by a vertical composition featuring eight horizontal bands of color—ranging from crimson to cadmium yellow—layered onto a stark black background. This juxtaposition immediately establishes a dramatic contrast that draws the viewer’s eye and underscores the importance of chromatic harmony. The technique employed—direct application of Magna paint—produced uneven edges and visible brushstrokes, contributing to the painting's palpable textural quality.

Symbolism Within Simplicity

The colors chosen by Louis are not merely decorative; they carry profound symbolic weight. Researchers suggest that crimson represents passion and vitality, while cadmium yellow embodies optimism and enlightenment. Collectively, these hues evoke a spectrum of emotions—joy, energy, contemplation—reflecting Louis’s belief in the transformative power of color to communicate ideas beyond literal representation. The absence of perspective or depth reinforces the painting's focus on pure chromatic experience.

A Legacy Enduring Through Reproduction

“Number 1-82” stands as a testament to Louis’s unwavering commitment to artistic experimentation and his pioneering contribution to abstract art history. OriginalUniqueArt offers exceptional reproductions of this iconic piece, allowing collectors and enthusiasts alike to appreciate its beauty and complexity in high resolution.

Artist Biography

Early Life and Education

Born: Morris Louis Bernstein, November 28, 1912, Baltimore, Maryland
Parents: Louis Bernstein (furniture salesman) and Cecelia Luckman Bernstein.
Education: Attended public schools in Baltimore; Maryland Institute of Fine and Applied Arts (now MICA), 1929-1932. Did not complete a degree.
Early influences included Eugene Speicher and Paul Cézanne.
Showed an early interest in art, encouraged by his family despite limited opportunities in Baltimore.

Development as an Artist & Key Influences

1930s: Worked various odd jobs to support himself while painting (vegetable peeling, laundry work, Gallup Poll research).
1934-1936: Participated in the Public Works of Art Project mural project under Sam Swerdloff.
1936-1937: Moved to New York City; experimented with techniques at the Siqueiros Workshop.
Magna Paint Discovery (1948): A pivotal moment – Louis pioneered the use of Magna paint, a newly developed oil-based acrylic paint created for him by Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden. This allowed for greater fluidity and transparency in his work.
Influence of Helen Frankenthaler: In 1953, Louis and Kenneth Noland visited Frankenthaler's studio and were deeply impressed by her stain paintings (particularly "Mountains and Sea"). This inspired their experimentation with pouring and staining techniques.

The Veil Paintings & Color Field Innovations

Mature Veil Paintings (1954): Characterized by overlapping, superimposed layers of transparent color poured onto and stained into sized or unsized canvas.
Technique: Extremely diluted paint was applied to an unprimed, unstretched canvas, allowing it to flow over the inclined surface, creating translucent color veils. This eliminated brushstrokes and emphasized flatness.
Color Field Painting: Louis became a central figure in Color Field painting, simplifying pictorial space and emphasizing flat planes of intense color. He was part of the Washington Color School movement.
Series & Styles: Beyond the Veil paintings, he explored series like florals, columns (1960), unfurleds (1960-61) – featuring rivulets of opaque color – and stripe paintings (1961-62).

Major Achievements & Historical Significance

Pioneering Color Field Painting: Louis is recognized as a key innovator in Color Field painting, alongside artists like Kenneth Noland and Helen Frankenthaler.
Influence on Abstract Expressionism: His work expanded the boundaries of Abstract Expressionism by focusing on color and flatness rather than gesture or composition.
Washington Color School: A significant contributor to this influential movement, which emphasized a reductive approach to painting.
Destruction of Works: Notably, Louis destroyed many of his paintings between 1955 and 1957, reflecting a critical self-assessment of his work.
Legacy: His emphasis on color, flatness, and the materiality of paint continues to influence contemporary artists.

Later Years & Death

Louis continued painting prolifically until his death.
Death: Died September 7, 1962, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 49.
Memorial Exhibition (1963): A significant exhibition was held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum shortly after his death.
Retrospective Exhibitions: Major retrospectives followed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (1967), and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1976).

Morris Louis

1912 - 1962 , United States of America

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Color Field painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Kenneth Noland
- Washington Color School
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Helen Frankenthaler
- Jackson Pollock
- Cézanne
Date Of Birth: November 28, 1912
Date Of Death: September 7, 1962
Full Name: Morris Louis
Nationality: American
Notable Artworks:
- High
- Number 1-36
- Where
- Number 1-68
- Gamma Tau
- Third Element
- Delta Theta
Place Of Birth: Baltimore, United States

Beatrice Parsons: A Study in Abstract Expressionism & the Poetics of Color Field Painting

Morris Louis: The Full Collection

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White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

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Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

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Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

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100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

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Summary

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Nameplate

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Customize My Artwork

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Quick Facts