Untitled (aka The Picasso) - Chicago, IL - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

From the City of Chicago Public Sculpture site (visit link)

"1967, Cor-Ten steel, H 50 ft.
Design donated by the artist; funded by the Field Foundation of Illinois, the Woods Charitable Fund, Inc. and the Chauncy and Marion Deering McCormick Foundation

LOCATION: Richard J. Daley Civic Center Plaza
50 W. Washington St.

The first monumental modern sculpture to be placed in the Loop, “The Picasso” was initially greeted with controversy. At the time of its installation in 1967, the abstract design puzzled many and the non-traditional materials and huge scale angered others. However, this gift from the artist to the people of Chicago has over time become an icon of the city and a source of civic pride. While opinions of the sculpture’s subject matter vary, it is acknowledged as a monumental achievement in Cubism, the artistic style pioneered and explored by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and his French contemporary, Georges Braque, between 1907 and 1911. “The Picasso” is an exemplary work of Cubism in its use of multiple perspectives, combining frontal and profile views in a single vantage point."

I learned from the Public Art in Chicago Blog at
(visit link)
that Cor Ten means Corrosive Tensile.
"the steel is designed to form a protective coating of iron oxide (rust) which protects the substrate from further corrosion ... Over time the sculpture and the building has developed the same patina, so it looks like a natural part of the landscape ... "

The Picasso resides in Daley Plaza. The surrounding buildings include the Richard J. Daley Center and the Cook County Building, familiar to citizens of Chicago when they have to go to court, get a license, pay property taxes, etc. The Plaza also hosts many outdoor events yearround, including a beautiful, tall tree at Christmas.

Sadly, Spanish artist Picasso died before he could come to Chicago to see this work. In fact he never even got to visit the US.

The fun part of The Picasso is taking pictures from different perspectives!

There are numerous waymarks of this site plus others nearby, so hit that Nearest Waymarks button.

TITLE: Untitled ARTIST(S): Picasso, Pablo, 1881-1973, sculptor. DATE: Dedicated August 15, 1967. MEDIUM: Sculpture: Cor-Ten steel; Base: stone. CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 87580019 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Richard J. Daley Plaza, West Washington Street between Dearborn and Clark, Chicago, Illinois DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: none

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Date Logged Log   07/15/2017 nsaj visited it 04/19/2017 Go Boilers! visited it 08/07/2014 Lucky_Al visited it 09/02/2013 Nicolas M. visited it 09/01/2013 hagenvo visited it 05/31/2011 RakeInTheCache visited it 01/17/2011 wildernessmama visited it

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