Untitled (Monster)

Because of its perspective, this image of a crucifixion is initially difficult to discern. Using a long, horizontal composition and an aerial perspective, Smithson rendered the uplifted face and outstretched arms of Christ while rendering the rest of his body in extreme foreshortening. Still a high school student when he created this image, Smithson imparted Christ’s suffering through his choice of colors and Christ’s expressive face and sinewy limbs. The artist exhibited the drawing for the first time in New York in December 1957 at the apartment of Alan Brilliant, Smithson’s close friend and Greensboro’s own noted bookseller.