Object Details
- Luce Center Label
- Ourania, also spelled Urania, is the Muse of astronomy in Greek mythology. She is traditionally portrayed holding a staff in one hand, which she points toward an orb she holds in her other hand. Here, Albert Green simplified her classical representation to present only a circle, representing the orb. Green used simple shapes, as in Ourania, to emphasize his masterful use of glaze, a skill he developed through many years of studying painting. The minimal adornments, like circles and stripes, break up the space of the clay "canvas" to create advancing and receding planes of light and dark. Green's forms and rich glazes recall the work of Chinese and Japanese potters, which inspired him and continue to influence so many American ceramists.
- Data Source
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Artist
- Albert Green, born Elizabeth, NJ 1914-died Summit, NJ 1994
- Date
- 1975
- Credit Line
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist
- Medium
- glazed porcelain
- Dimensions
- 17 5/8 x 14 3/16 x 4 1/16 in. (44.8 x 36.0 x 10.3 cm.)
- Type
- Decorative Arts-Ceramic
- Crafts
