What topics does Deus explore?

abstract forms, geometric design, symbolic imagery, relief sculpture, textured ceramics, mid century modern, tribal influence

What is the thematic context of Deus?

olivetti showroom project, exploring form & texture, sandcasting innovation, early abstract reliefs, ancient iconography, primitive art forms, geometric abstraction, raku firing techniques

DeusAntine Nivola, Tino Nivola · 1953

Abstract Expressionism
1953
Magazzino Italian Art

Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola (1911 – 1988)

Explore the work of Costantino Nivola (Antine Nivola), Italian sculptor & designer known for abstract architectural reliefs, sandcasting techniques, and contributions to mid-century modern design. Discover his Olivetti collaborations & legacy at Maga

Magazzino Italian Art (Cold Spring, United States of America)

Discover Postwar & Contemporary Italian art at Magazzino Art! Explore Arte Povera, Murano glass, and innovative architecture in Hudson Valley's unique museum experience.

To create Deus (1953), Nivola first modeled the design of the bas relief in sand and then made a cast with a thin coat of “plaster of Paris,” a quick-setting gypsum plaster readily found in the areas surrounding the French capital. Executed as a detail study for a larger work, most likely the mural for the Olivetti showroom, Deus represents an abstracted human figure as well as what appears to be smaller breasted forms along the bottom half of the panel. The outer layer is richly textured, with tiny pebbles interspersed throughout. This work was first exhibited in 1954 at Peridot Gallery in New York and was then purchased by the Whitney Museum of American Art a year later. In this exhibition, Deus is displayed next to Imama, a visually and technically similar work, made the same year.

About this artwork

Title: Deus
Artist: Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola
Year: 1953
Format: Tall
Copyright status: Under copyright
Where to see it: Magazzino Italian Art
Color palette: Neutrals
Keywords: textured ceramic design, mid century modern art, tino nivola ceramics
Color hue: Golden Yellow Range
Color intensity: Balanced

Questions & Answers

Who created "Deus"?

"Deus" was created by Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola. The information on this page describes Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola's original work.

What saturation and intensity does "Deus" by Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola show?

"Deus" by Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola is recorded with a muted saturation and a balanced intensity.

Is "Deus" held in the country of its creator?

No - the artwork is kept abroad. Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola was born in Italy, and the original "Deus" is held in a museum in United States of America.

In what year was "Deus" by Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola created?

"Deus" dates from 1953. The date places the work within Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola's career and its era.

What are the reproduction rights of "Deus" at the Magazzino Italian Art?

"Deus" by Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola, held at the Magazzino Italian Art, is still protected by copyright. This status determines whether reproductions of the image may be made.

How old was Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola when creating "Deus" in 1953?

Antine Nivola, Tino Nivola was 42 years old when creating "Deus" in 1953. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1911.

In which year and which movement was "Deus" made?

"Deus" was created in 1953 as a work of the Abstract Expressionism movement. Date and movement anchor the artwork in art history.