In 1950, Albers launched the series Homage to the Square to explore how relationships between areas of color can cause optical illusions. All of the works in the series contain nested squares whose spacing is governed by differing mathematical ratios. Within this standardized program, Albers experimented with chromatic variety and intensity, exploring the subjective experience of color and the effects of colors on one another. As seen here, the squares are rendered with variations in tone and brightness that cause some squares to project and others to recede. Albers once described works like this as stages on which color might "act" and through which color becomes a mutable, even deceptive, phenomenon. The artist developed his interest in color relationships as a student (beginning in 1920) and, later, a teacher at the Bauhaus, where he worked alongside Kandinsky (whose work can be seen at left) until the school’s closure in 1933.
Josef Albers [1888-1976]; Sidney Janis Gallery, New York; purchased by Harold Jay Kramer [1920-2000], 1962; gifted to Princeton University Art Museum, 1999.
The International Image Interoperability Framework, or IIIF, is an open standard for delivering high-quality, attributed digital objects online at scale. Visit iiif.io to learn more.
Our API is generally designed to provide programmatic access to the Museum's collections data for applications that require regular updates and/or the ability to dynamically query and filter the data via the endpoints provided.
Share your feedback with us
The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.
Josef Albers (American, born Germany, 1888–1976), Homage to the Square: Early Rise, 1961. Acrylic on pressed wood panel; 103 × 102.8 cm, 102.8 × 102.8 × 3.2 cm (frame). Gift of Harold Jay Kramer (1999-255)
Princeton University Art Museum.
https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/art/collections/objects/39364
Image Not Available for Download
This image is under copyright or otherwise restricted. If you are interested in using the image, you may need to request this from the image rights holder. Please refer to our Image Use and Access guidelines for further information.
