Encrustation 1976

Richard Pousette-Dart made this painting, Encrustation, with oil paint on board during the height of Abstract Expressionism in the United States. His peers were artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, who were inventing a new visual language that moved beyond realism to focus on the expressive qualities of color and form. The art world was rapidly changing due to new institutions such as commercial galleries and a more diverse range of art schools. What was deemed ‘high art’ was being challenged. Looking closely, you’ll see how Pousette-Dart densely layers different colors and textures, creating a rich surface that almost seems to vibrate. As art historians, we examine not only the artwork itself but also the critical writings, exhibition records, and personal papers that help us understand its place in history. It is a cultural artifact that reflects shifting values and beliefs.