Image for Artist Tony Rosenthal

Tony Rosenthal

American 1914-2009

Tony Rosenthal was an American sculptor best known for his public artworks, specifically his large-scale geometric sculptures. He initially worked as a painter but later shifted his focus to sculpture, becoming one of the prominent figures of the post-war American art scene.

One of Rosenthal's most famous sculptures is the "Alamo," also known as "The Cube." Created in 1967, it is a massive black cube made of Cor-Ten steel, measuring approximately 15 feet on each side. "The Cube" became an iconic landmark in New York City, located at Astor Place in Manhattan. It has become a popular meeting spot and a symbol of the East Village neighborhood.

Rosenthal's sculptures often employed simple geometric forms, such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders, which he manipulated to create dynamic and visually striking compositions. He explored themes of space, balance, and interaction with his monumental sculptures, inviting viewers to engage with the artworks in public settings.

In addition to his public sculptures, Rosenthal also created smaller-scale sculptures and other artworks. His pieces can be found in various public and private collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.



Image: Ajay Suresh via Wikimedia Commons