The Magic Garden

c. 1950s
(Czech, 1896–1976)
Image: 12.6 x 16.9 cm (4 15/16 x 6 5/8 in.); Paper: 17.7 x 23.9 cm (6 15/16 x 9 7/16 in.); Matted: 35.6 x 45.7 cm (14 x 18 in.)
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

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Description

This lyrical image comes from one of Sudek's most inventive bodies of work—photographs of gardens. During World War II, he began this exploration by photographing his own small garden through a misty window pane; later, he added the gardens of his friends. From 1945 to 1960, Sudek photographed the architect Otto Rothmayer's garden, calling the series The Magic Garden. In this example, Sudek orchestrated a complex composition featuring chairs (one of his favorite motifs) and three large rocks. With transforming skill, he was able to humanize these inanimate objects, giving them distinctive personalities.
The Magic Garden

The Magic Garden

c. 1950s

Josef Sudek

(Czech, 1896–1976)
Czechoslovakia, 20th century

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