Barnett Newman (American, January 29, 1905 – July 4, 1970)

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Adam,  1951-52
Oil on canvas
support: 2429 x 2029 mm

Tate Gallery, London

The name Adam, which in the Old Testament was given to the first man, derives from the Hebrew word adamah (earth), but is also close to adom, (red) and dam (blood). The relationship between brown and red in this painting may therefore symbolise man's intimacy with the earth.

White Fire II, 1960
Oil on canvas, 244 x 193 cm
Kunstmuseum Basel


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