Elevation of Garden Pavilion 1715 - 1754

Robert Morris made this elevation of a garden pavilion using graphite on paper. Morris, known for his minimalist sculptures, engages here with the architectural drawings of the past. The pavilion's design is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing symmetry and proportion. Morris presents a classical structure but he does so without the need for a building, and through this challenges conventional notions of art-making. He is challenging the viewer to consider the ideas behind the structure, its purpose, and the labor involved in its construction. In choosing graphite, a humble material, Morris contrasts the grandeur of the architectural design. The precision of line and shading showcases Morris's draftsmanship. This elevation, seemingly traditional, questions the boundaries of art and architecture, highlighting the intellectual and conceptual dimensions of both disciplines. It reminds us that art isn't just about aesthetics but also about ideas and the act of creation.