Beethoven’s Quartet

Explore Mark di Suvero's large scale steel sculpture

Beethoven's Quartet (2016-01-12) by Erik Petersen, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

Created in 2003 by Mark di Suvero, Beethoven's Quartet measures 25' x 30' x 23' and weighs 25,000 pounds.

Beethoven's Quartet Assembly (2016-05-13) by Peter Halstead, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

The Artist

Widely recognized as one of the most influential artists of his generation to emerge from the abstract expressionist era, Mark di Suvero revolutionized the world of sculpture and profoundly influenced fields such as modernist architecture, design and land art. His large scale steel sculptures, breaking away from the walls of museums, are meant to be experienced outside. His work transcends time and space, opening ideas about the relationship between art and nature. Tippet Rise is proud to present di Suvero’s Beethoven’s Quartet, chosen for its connection with the composer’s seminal work. Juxtaposed against the Beartooth Mountains, the piece offers viewers a dialogue of Titans, between Earth and Sky. Learn more at www.spacetimecc.com.

Beethoven's Quartet, Mark di Suvero, Artist, From the collection of: Tippet Rise Art Center
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Beethoven's Quartet was originally part of the collection at Storm King Art Center in New York's Hudson Valley.

Beethoven's Quartet Assembly, Peter Halstead, Photographer, Mark di Suvero, Artist, 2016-05-13, From the collection of: Tippet Rise Art Center
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The sculpture was installed at Tippet Rise in 2015.

Beethoven's Quartet, Peter Halstead, Photographer, Mark di Suvero, Artist, 2016-05-13, From the collection of: Tippet Rise Art Center
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Beethoven's Quartet, Peter Halstead, Photographer, Mark di Suvero, Artist, 2016-05-13, From the collection of: Tippet Rise Art Center
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di Suvero prides himself on his hands-on approach to the fabrication and installation of his work.

The Making of Beethoven's Quartet (2015-09-09) by Tippet Rise StaffTippet Rise Art Center

Beethoven's Quartet (2016-12-01) by Tippet Rise Staff, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

While the sculpture was crafted from steel I-beams, the hanging element is stainless steel. The hanging element alone weighs 7,000 pounds.

White Out at Beethoven's Quartet (2017-01-17) by Djuna Zupancic and Mark di SuveroTippet Rise Art Center

Beethoven's Quartet by Erik Petersen, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

"A current of sound runs through my bones. Mallet in hand, I stand inside the scaffolding of a massive steel sculpture, on a grassy hilltop, in the middle of nowhere, which feels, right now, like the center of the universe. Artist Mark di Suvero equipped his installation 'Beethoven’s Quartet' with mallets almost as a challenge: how wild do I dare to be?" -National Geographic Traveler

Reverence: Beethoven's Quartet by Mark di Suvero (2017-01-23) by Sculpture: Mark di Suvero, Beethoven’s Quartet (2003), Film Director/Cinematographer: Kathy Kasic, Performed by the Dover Quartet, and Music: Ludwig van Beethoven, String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, op. 132 - Molto adagio; AndanteTippet Rise Art Center

Beethoven's Quartet (2016-10-10) by Aja Sherrard, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

"The sculpture stands as a homage to the mysterious artifacts of art, which measures the achievement of humanity as much as any other method, such as science or math."
-Tippet Rise co-founder, Peter Halstead

Beethoven's Quartet (2017-07-04) by Erik Petersen, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

...an homage to some, a source of pure joy and inspiration to others...

Beethoven's Quartet (2017-08-22) by Erik Petersen, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

Beethoven's Quartet is at the head of Arney Canyon, a gentle bowl with waving grasses.

Beethoven's Quartet at Night (2016-03-24) by Andre Costantini, Photographer and Mark di Suvero, ArtistTippet Rise Art Center

It is one of the great advances in modern sculpture, and a milestone in Mark di Suvero's career.

Credits: Story

Photography by: Erik Petersen, Andre Costantini, Aja Sherrard, Peter Halstead

Writing by: Alexis Adams

Exhibit by: Emily Rund, Sarah Lanier

Sculpture by: Mark di Suvero

Support from:

Lindsey Hinmon
Managing Director, Programs

Melissa Moore
Communications and Administration Manager

Alexis Adams
Publications Administrator

Emily Rund
Filmmaker and Production Coordinator

Pete Hinmon
Managing Director, Operations

Peter & Cathy Halstead
Co-Founders of Tippet Rise

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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