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Tintinnabulation

1962/1964

Images

A 24 by 22 inch painting with a gray ground. The word triangle is painted in red letters across the bottom of the canvas. Above this is a red numeral three within a gray triangle within a red circle. surrounding the circle is a gray and white ring with the painting's title, "Tintinnabulation," in red letters.

Tintinnabulation

1962/1964

Oil on canvas

24 1/8 × 22 1/8 in. (61.3 × 56.2 cm)

 

Photo: Courtesy of Sotheby's, New York; Artwork: © Star of Hope Foundation, Vinalhaven, Maine

Detail from Robert Indiana's journal page for January 31, 1962 with a sketch of Tintinnabulation

Detail from Robert Indiana's journal page for January 31, 1962

 

Courtesy Star of Hope Foundation, Vinalhaven, Maine

Description

Tintinnabulation is not what I would call a serious painting. It is a diversion and Andabatarianism [Made in USA] is another. That is a diversion. In, other words, with those two paintings I’m just fascinated with the length of the word and therefore making what would be a minor painting. 

— Robert Indiana

 

Arthur C. Carr, “The Reminiscences of Robert Indiana,” New York, November 1965, Arthur C. Carr papers; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library, p. 76.