Penn Quarter in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Roy Lichtenstein
born New York City 1923 - died New York City 1997
— Smithsonian American Art Museum —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 25, 2018
Modern Head
conceived 1974
fabricated 1989-1990 by Lippincott Inc., edition I/I
painted stainless steel
Gift of Jeffrey H. Loria in loving memory of his sister, Harriet Loria Popowitz
Roy Lichtenstein began creating his Modern Head series in the late 1960s with the idea that man can be made to look like a machine and the image manufactured by an industrial source. This concept pervaded the artist's work throughout his career. In Modern Head he referenced the flat planes, precision, and abstract geometric forms associated with the 1930s art deco architecture and design.
Modern Head was installed in 1996 in Battery Park City, one block from the World Trade Center, by the Public Art Fund of New York City (top photo). The sculpture survived the destruction of 9/11 with only surface scratches and became a memo board for the FBI during its ensuing investigations (bottom photo). Note the white ash on the base and the windows blown out of the building in the background of the photograph taken by insurance agent Michael Fischman on September 21st. The sculpture was removed on November 9, 2001, for its protection.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: 9/11 Attacks • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1996.
Location. 38° 53.849′ N, 77° 1.427′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in the Penn Quarter. Marker is on 9th Street Northwest north of F Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north. The marker hangs the fence of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 7th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Roy Lichtenstein (a few steps from this marker); The Restoration of 800 F Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln Walked Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover DC / Gallery Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Patent Office Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Wilkes Booth's Escape (about 300 feet away); Vaquero (about 400 feet away); General Post Office (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 9, 2023
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker hangs around the corner.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 25, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 25, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 9, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 25, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.