Cradle 1985

Sean Scully created this artwork titled Cradle in 1985. Notice how the lines in "Cradle" echo the most ancient of forms, found in textiles and architecture across cultures. The horizontal bands, alternating in dark hues, evoke the primal rhythm of shelter and enclosure. We can see this in the building of temples and homes from around the world, and even earlier, in the most basic of art forms. This symbol crosses temporal boundaries to convey foundational human experiences. Consider how these bands, stacked one upon another, suggest both stability and a comforting embrace, mirroring the protective nature of a cradle. It touches something deep within us, reminding us of safety and security. It's a profound contemplation on beginnings, and on the architecture that houses and protects our most tender selves. The artist is tapping into our collective memory.