Ginkgo

Currently not on view

Ginkgo

1989

Sigmar Polke (German, 1941–2010)

In the late 1980s German artist Sigmar Polke used his paintings to explore the nature of pigments, dyes, and chemicals. Through the application of many layers of resin and lacquer he created the mysterious, translucent surface of this painting. His interest in the idea of flux is reflected in its title; ginkgo is a Chinese tree whose fan-shaped leaves turn golden yellow in autumn.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Ginkgo

Date:

1989

Artist:

Sigmar Polke (German, 1941–2010)

Medium:

Gold, graphite, natural pigments, and synthetic resin on woven polyester

Dimensions:

8 feet 7 inches x 13 feet 4 inches x 5 7/8 inches (261.6 x 406.4 x 14.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1990

Accession Number:

1990-39-1

Geography:

Made in Europe

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Currently not on view