Search

Search results

Displaying 1 - 10

Smithson, Robert

(Encyclopedia) Smithson, Robert, 1938–73, American sculptor, b. Passaic, N.J. After first making modular, serial sculpture, Smithson began to design large-scale earthworks (see land art) in the 1960s…

land art

(Encyclopedia) land art or earthworks, art form developed in the late 1960s and early 70s by Robert Smithson, Robert Morris, Michael Heizer, and others, in which the artist employs the elements of…

Tennant, Smithson

(Encyclopedia) Tennant, Smithson, 1761–1815, English chemist. In 1796 he proved, by burning a diamond, that the diamond consists solely of carbon. In 1804 he announced his discovery of osmium and…

primitivism

(Encyclopedia) primitivism, in art, the style of works of self-trained artists who develop their talents in a fanciful and fresh manner, as in the paintings of Henri Rousseau and Grandma Moses. The…

Dia Art Foundation

(Encyclopedia) Dia Art Foundation, American foundation that supports contemporary art and artists, est. 1974 by art dealer Heiner Friedrich and his wife, art patron Philippa de Menil. The foundation…

Smithsonian Institution

(Encyclopedia) Smithsonian Institution, research and education center, mainly at Washington, D.C.; founded 1846 under the terms of the will of James Smithson of London, who in 1829 bequeathed his…

Thierry, Augustin

(Encyclopedia) Thierry, AugustinThierry, AugustinōgüstăNˈ tyĕrēˈ [key], 1795–1856, French historian. His vivid literary style, romantic treatment of events, and use of contemporary documents helped…

Rush, Richard

(Encyclopedia) Rush, Richard, 1780–1859, Amercian statesman and diplomat, b. Philadelphia; son of Benjamin Rush. He studied law and became (1811) attorney general of Pennsylvania, resigning the same…

osmium

(Encyclopedia) osmiumosmiumŏzˈmēəm [key], metallic chemical element; symbol Os; at. no. 76; at. wt. 190.23; m.p. 3,045±30℃; b.p. 5,027±100℃; sp. gr. 22.57 at 20℃; valence usually +0 to +8. Osmium is…

Landmarks of Washington, D.C.

by Mark D. Hughes photos by Carol M. Highsmith Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and home to many of the country's most famous and recognizable…