Rock Crest/Rock Glen, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective

Marion Mahony Griffin

Created:
Movement:
c. 1912
Art Nouveau
key Notes:
Prairie School Architecture, Organic Integration
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Dimensions:
59 × 201 cm (23 1/4 × 79 in.)
medium:
Lithograph and gouache on green satin
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

"Rock Crest/Rock Glen, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective" is a collaborative work by Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin, prominent figures in the American Arts and Crafts movement and early modern architecture. The painting depicts a landscape design for a residential area in Mason City, Iowa, showcasing the Griffins' commitment to integrating architecture with the natural environment. The work reflects their innovative approach to landscape architecture, emphasizing harmony between built structures and the surrounding landscape. The Griffins were influenced by the principles of organic architecture, which sought to create spaces that were in tune with their natural settings. This particular piece is notable for its detailed rendering and perspective, illustrating the Griffins' vision for a harmonious community. The exact date of creation remains unspecified, but it is situated within the broader context of their work during the early 20th century. The Griffins' contributions to architecture and landscape design have been recognized for their lasting impact on American urban planning and design aesthetics.

Description of the work:

"Rock Crest/Rock Glen, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective" by Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin is a lithograph and gouache work executed on green satin. The composition features a harmonious interplay of natural and architectural elements, showcasing the Griffins' interest in integrating landscape with design. The use of vibrant colors contrasts with the subdued green background, enhancing the visual depth of the scene. The depiction of rock formations is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing texture and form. Architectural structures are interspersed within the landscape, reflecting the Griffins' commitment to organic architecture. The overall perspective invites the viewer to engage with the spatial relationships between the natural and built environments. The work exemplifies the early 20th-century American Arts and Crafts movement, highlighting the aesthetic values of harmony and unity in design. The choice of materials, particularly the satin surface, adds a tactile quality that enhances the visual experience.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Rock Crest/Rock Glen, Mason City, Iowa, Perspective