Student Artwork Guide

Name Class Date

charles seliger, City (1965). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist: charles seliger artsdot.com/en/artists/charles-seliger/
Artist’s dates: 1926 – 2009
Painted: 1965
Original size: 59 x 36 cm

Copyright This work is still under copyright. charles seliger died in 2009; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2079. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

City — charles seliger

How big is it?

The original measures 59 × 36 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

1920
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Shaded: the lifetime of charles seliger (1926–2009) ▲ this work, 1965

Compare with

Til I am nothing but a Spirit, and lose this form of clay, from Illustrations to the songs from William Blake's Island in the Moon, 1945 artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-til-i-am-nothing-but-a-spirit-and-lose-this-form-AQTGRJ-en/
Dr. South, Locke, Sherlock, Sir Isaac Newton and Thomas Sutton , from Illustrations to the songs from William Blake's Island in the Moon, 1945 artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-dr-south-locke-sherlock-sir-isaac-newton-and-t-AQTGRC-en/
The Mayor, from Illustrations to the songs from William Blake's Island in the Moon, 1945 artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-the-mayor-from-illustrations-to-the-songs-from-wi-AQTGS4-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Gray #827c61

Catalogued palette

#827C61
#B8C1A8
#9DA78F
#B6A267

Palette: Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
Main colour name: Gray
Intensity: Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
Saturation: Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

City — charles seliger

The City painting by Charles Seliger is a remarkable example of abstract expressionism, showcasing the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1965, this oil on canvas piece measures 59 x 36 cm and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. As a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, Charles Seliger was known for his small, jewel-like paintings that explored the relationship between color and form.

A Brief Overview of Charles Seliger's Career

Charles Seliger began his career in 1945 as one of the youngest artists to exhibit at The Art of This Century gallery, and as the youngest artist associated with the Abstract expressionist movement. His paintings attracted the attention of Howard Putzel, who worked with Peggy Guggenheim, and he was included in Putzel's groundbreaking exhibition A Problem for Critics at the 67 Gallery. At 20, the Museum of Modern Art acquired his painting Natural History: Form within Rock (1946), for their permanent collection.

Key Features of the Painting

The City painting features a cityscape with yellow buildings in the background, set during daytime with light shining on the buildings. The scene is dynamic, capturing a sense of movement within the cityscape. Two birds are visible in the painting, one near the top left corner and another towards the center of the scene. The overall composition is captivating, making it a notable piece in Charles Seliger's oeuvre.

For more information on Charles Seliger, visit /en/art/show/art-arabvn-en/

To learn about other abstract expressionist artists, check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_expressionism

View more paintings by Charles Seliger at /art/list/?Filter=A@D3ATMV-Museo-de-Arte-de-Sao-Paulo-(Brazil)-A-Comprehensive-Guide

Handmade oil painting reproductions of City by Charles Seliger are available at https://AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of abstract expressionist history. With its captivating cityscape and dynamic composition, this painting is a must-have for anyone interested in abstract art.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is home to many notable artworks, including pieces by Hendrik Glintenkamp, Esther Blaikie Mackinnon, and Armin Landeck. Visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com to explore more artworks and learn about the artists behind them.

Artist

charles seliger

early life and career

charles seliger, a prominent american abstract expressionist painter, was born on june 3, 1926, in manhattan. his artistic journey began at the young age of 19 when he was included in howard putzel’s groundbreaking exhibition a problem for critics at the 67 gallery, located at 67 e.57th street in manhattan, in 1945.

rise to prominence

seliger's work caught the attention of peggy guggenheim, who featured him in her gallery, the art of this century, in 1945. this was a pivotal moment for seliger, marking his entry into the avant-garde circle through his friendship with jimmy ernst, son of max ernst. by 20, seliger's painting natural history: form within rock (1946) was acquired by the museum of modern art for its permanent collection.

notable achievements and exhibitions

inclusion in a problem for critics at 67 gallery (1945)

first solo show at the art of this century gallery (1945)

acquisition by the museum of modern art (1946)

association with the willard gallery (1950)

key points in seliger's career:

view charles seliger’s artworks on AllPaintingsStore.com

read more about charles seliger on wikipedia

explore the museum of modern art's collection, featuring works by seliger and other abstract expressionists

legacy in abstract expressionism

charles seliger's legacy as a pioneering abstract expressionist painter is undeniable, marked by his early and continued involvement in the movement. his small yet impactful paintings have left an indelible mark on the art world, solidifying his place alongside other greats of the new york school. discover more about charles seliger’s life and work on AllPaintingsStore.com

Where to read more

The artist charles seliger artsdot.com/en/artists/charles-seliger/
Similar works More works to compare artsdot.com/en/art/similar/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for City

artsdot.com/en/art/download/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: seliger, charles. City. 1965, https://artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/
APA: seliger, charles (1965). City [Painting]. https://artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/
Chicago: charles seliger. City. 1965. https://artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/
Harvard: seliger, charles (1965) City. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/charles-seliger-city-ARABVN-en/

City — charles seliger

Look closely

Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Look back at Til I am nothing but a Spirit, and lose this form of clay, from Illustrations to the songs from William Blake's Island in the Moon (1945), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
charles seliger was about 39 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

Your response

Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.