Object Details
painter
Johnson, Crockett
Description
In this painting, based on his own construction, Crockett Johnson continued his exploration of rectilinear figures that could be made with a ruler and compass, assuming that one could construct a square of area equal to pi (e.g. if one could square the circle). More specifically, he assumed that he could construct a square of that area (the square in blue and dark blue in the painting) and found four triangles, also shown in shades of blue, that would be of equal area. A sheet from his papers presents his argument (1979.3083.04.02)
The oil painting on masonite is #86 in the series. It is signed on the back: EQUAL TRIANGLES (/) Crockett Johnson 1972. There is a wood and chrome frame.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Ruth Krauss in memory of Crockett Johnson
date made
1972
ID Number
1979.1093.56
catalog number
1979.1093.56
accession number
1979.1093
Object Name
painting
Physical Description
masonite (substrate material)
wood (frame material)
metal (frame material)
Measurements
overall: 71.7 cm x 64 cm x 3.5 cm; 28 1/4 in x 25 3/16 in x 1 3/8 in
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Crockett Johnson
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_694680