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Josef Albers — Study for a Homage to the Square
Josef Albers

Study for a Homage to the Square

This geometric composition consists of three nested rectangular forms rendered in progressively darker tones, from bright kelly green on the outer rectangle through a muted sage green to a dark charcoal center. Executed in oil and graphite on blotting paper, the work demonstrates careful layering and a subtle interplay between the matte, absorbent surface and the pigments applied. The precisely aligned concentric squares create a sense of spatial recession through color modulation alone, with visible edges and slight irregularities suggesting the hand drawn quality of a preparatory study. The palette emphasizes cool tones and chromatic subtlety, while the composition embodies a systematic exploration of color interaction and visual perception.

Medium
Oil and graphite on blotting paper
Dimensions
Location
David Zwirner 69th Street, New York, NY

Notes

From the exhibition 'Set in Stone' at David Zwirner 69th Street, NYC, May 12 to June 26, 2026, in collaboration with Galerie Kugel, Paris. Tombstone date: n.d..

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About this work

Josef Albers, Study for a Homage to the Square

This geometric composition consists of three nested rectangular forms rendered in progressively darker tones, from bright kelly green on the outer rectangle through a muted sage green to a dark charcoal center. Executed in oil and graphite on blotting paper, the work demonstrates careful layering and a subtle interplay between the matte, absorbent surface and the pigments applied. The precisely aligned concentric squares create a sense of spatial recession through color modulation alone, with visible edges and slight irregularities suggesting the hand drawn quality of a preparatory study. The palette emphasizes cool tones and chromatic subtlety, while the composition embodies a systematic exploration of color interaction and visual perception.

Medium
Oil and graphite on blotting paper
Dimensions
43.2 x 39.7 cm
Seen at
Adler Beatty, New York, NY

Related themes

Concentric Forms, Preparatory Work, 20th Century, Green Palette, German American, Oil And Graphite, Visual Perception, Color Study, Systematic Composition, Square Forms, Spatial Recession, Non Representational, Color Theory, Geometric Abstraction, Chromatic Abstraction, Blotting Paper, Monochromatic Study, Abstract, Nested Rectangles, Minimalism

More works by Josef Albers

Collected by

Alex Capecelatro