National Gallery of Art, Washington: Variations on the Theme Possibly 1981 - 1999

Patrizia della Porta made this gelatin silver print of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. This image encourages us to think about the public role of art and the politics of imagery. Consider how the architectural image creates meaning through visual codes. Della Porta's black and white photograph shows a corner of I. M. Pei's East Building of the National Gallery in Washington. The building was completed in 1978, and is made of concrete and glass. The sharp angles and stark shadows give the building a sense of drama and power. The image is self-consciously modern, reflecting the ambition of cultural institutions to shape public life. As historians, we might ask: how do institutions shape artistic production and public perception? We can research the cultural and economic forces in which art is made. Understanding the social and institutional context gives us a more complete understanding of its meaning.