George Segal (American, 1924–2000). <em>Girl on a Chair</em>, 1970. Plaster, wood and paints, 36 x 24 x 11 3/4 in. (91.4 x 61.0 x 29.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frederick E. Sherman, 78.213. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 78.213_view1_bw.jpg)

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George Segal (American, 1924–2000). Girl on a Chair, 1970. Plaster, wood and paints, 36 x 24 x 11 3/4 in. (91.4 x 61.0 x 29.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frederick E. Sherman, 78.213. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 78.213_view1_bw.jpg)

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I have a question about this because I didn't fully understand the artist's quote in the description that explained the art historical reference. It says: "the chair is like a ladder with steps, the box is like a house , the girl is like a Greek caryatid holding up the roof..."

That is a somewhat mysterious quote! The forms of the chair's back do resemble a ladder, that's true. A "caryatid" is an architectural column shaped like a human figure. They were used in classical Greek temples, for example.

However, ancient Greek architecture is always centralized and harmoniously proportioned, but this work is very "modern" in being so awkwardly placed. Everything is off-center, and I'm guessing that was likely the artist's intention -- to make us feel a little uneasy.

Girl on a Chair

George Segal

Contemporary Art

George Segal was an innovator in sculpture known for his installations of white plaster figures with ghostly appearances. He depicted the dignity in everyday life, showing people poised at a bus stop, paused before a traffic intersection, or conversing on a park bench. Segal's work also took on political themes such as the Holocaust and gay pride. At the time this sculpture was created, the artist discussed its art historical references: "The chair is like a ladder with steps, the box is like a house, the girl is like a Greek caryatid holding up the roof . . . I've always liked the hardness and softness combined, this wedding of organic and geometric."

ARTIST George Segal, American, 1924–2000

MEDIUM Plaster, wood and paints

DATES 1970

DIMENSIONS 36 x 24 x 11 3/4 in. (91.4 x 61.0 x 29.8 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Unsigned

COLLECTIONS Contemporary Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 78.213

CREDIT LINE Gift of Frederick E. Sherman

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION George Segal (American, 1924–2000). Girl on a Chair, 1970. Plaster, wood and paints, 36 x 24 x 11 3/4 in. (91.4 x 61.0 x 29.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frederick E. Sherman, 78.213. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 78.213_view1_bw.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 78.213_view1_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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