The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of May 3, 2026

A horizontally oriented black-and-white photograph crops around massive, dark steel plates with sweeping curves. A large circular arc sweeps from the bottom center toward the top left against a textured, light gray rock wall. Surfaces are inscribed with white chalk codes and "FLOW" indicators. Overlapping sections create deep shadows, while an angular metal structure anchors the bottom right. Industrial markings and geometric shapes define the stark, high-contrast composition.

Curved Steel Plates

1971

Ralston Crawford

(American, 1906–1978)
America
gelatin silver print
Image: 23.2 x 34.5 cm (9 1/8 x 13 9/16 in.); Paper: 27.6 x 35.5 cm (10 7/8 x 14 in.); Matted: 45.7 x 55.9 cm (18 x 22 in.)
Gift of Robert F. Crawford 1997.210
© Estate of Ralston Crawford / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
Location: Not on view
  • {{cite web|title=Curved Steel Plates|url=false|author=Ralston Crawford|year=1971|access-date=03 May 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1997.210