PRISM was painted by Dagobert Peche in 1922-01-01.

Where can I see PRISM?

PRISM is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is PRISM?

PRISM is associated with Art Brut.

Can I buy a print of PRISM?

Museum-quality prints of PRISM are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

PRISM

Dagobert Peche , 1922

PRISM is an unspecified painting by the Art Brut artist Dagobert Peche. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

PRISM is an abstract painting by Dagobert Peche completed in 1922.

PRISM is an abstract painting by Dagobert Peche completed in 1922. Rather than depicting recognizable subject matter, the work employs non‑representational forms and color fields to investigate visual rhythm and spatial tension. Its composition consists of intersecting planes and geometric shapes that generate a dynamic interplay of light and depth, reflecting the artist’s interest in the formal properties of abstraction.

By presenting pure abstraction, the piece conveys a symbolic emphasis on structural harmony rather than narrative content, inviting viewers to engage with the visual relationships intrinsic to the painted surface.

History & Provenance

PRISM is an abstract painting executed by Dagobert Peche in 1922. The work measures 47.3 cm by 37.1 cm and was classified as a painting within the abstract genre. Its creation history is documented only by the date 1922, which both sources record as the year of completion.

No evidence of a specific commission or patron is provided in the sources. The painting entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on view, and its provenance is therefore traced to that institution. Earlier ownership or exhibition history is not mentioned in the available records.

PRISM is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as recorded in the Wikidata entry for the painting. The work's location is given as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the collection field confirms the same institutional holding. No accession number is specified in the available sources.

No exhibition history is documented in the provided sources for PRISM. The Wikidata record lists only basic descriptive and physical data, creator, genre, inception date, and dimensions, without any references to past displays, loans, or curatorial presentations.

Overview

Dagobert Peche's PRISM, created in 1922, is an abstract composition by the Austrian artist and designer. This work, now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, reflects Peche's engagement with experimental forms. Although the source mentions "art brut," Peche is primarily recognized for his significant contributions to design and metalwork, often associated with the Wiener Werkstätte, where he explored decorative arts through abstract patterns.

Technique & Style

The artwork comprises three distinct, small designs arranged on a page, characterized by their flat, patterned aesthetic. Each segment employs clean lines and bold colors: one features green arches with intersecting black lines and floral accents, another presents thick black stripes on a pink ground with sharp angles, and the third combines light blue with green stripes and a diagonal division. These compositions suggest an exploration of decorative motifs, likely intended as prototypes for textiles or wall coverings, aligning with Peche's background in applied arts.

Context

Dagobert Peche was an Austrian artist renowned for his innovative work in design and metalwork, making significant contributions to the decorative arts of his era. While PRISM is described as an abstract work within the art brut movement in the source material, Peche's broader oeuvre is characterized by sophisticated abstract compositions and an experimental approach to materials and form, often associated with the Wiener Werkstätte. This piece exemplifies his interest in developing decorative ideas through simplified patterns and striking color combinations.