Cube (Untitled)
Sculpture, free-standing on pedestal • Larry Bell
Style & Movement
Minimalism, Light and Space movement
Medium & Technique
Vacuum-coated glass with metal thin-film deposition (typically gold, silver, or inconel) and stainless steel or chrome binding
Creation Period
circa 1960s-2000s (stylistically suggestive of the seminal 1960s series)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 20 x 20 inches (cube size) on a tall pedestal; Three-dimensional format
Subject Description
A geometric cube exploring the interaction of light, transparency, and reflection. The piece utilizes vapor-treated glass to create various degrees of opacity and iridescent color depending on the viewer's angle and ambient lighting. It sits atop a transparent acrylic pedestal, emphasizing its weightlessness.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the glass appears clear with no visible chips, and the coating remains vibrant and intact.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $350,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$180,000 - $300,000 USD
Provenance History
Attributed to the artist's studio; likely acquired through a major contemporary art gallery such as Hauser & Wirth or Pace.
Art Historical Significance
Larry Bell is a pioneer of the Los Angeles Light and Space movement. His glass cubes are iconic for their industrial elegance and investigation of phenomenology—specifically how light defines space and how the viewer's presence completes the work.
Notable Features
Fine beveled edges and the characteristic vacuum-deposited film which creates a gradient of transparency and reflection characteristic of Bell's high-tech industrial aesthetic.
Condition Issues
No major issues visible; potential for minor surface scratches or 'bloom' on the coating if not maintained in climate-controlled environments.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional handling only with lint-free gloves to avoid oil transfer; display in stable temperature/humidity; protect from direct impact or vibration.
Collector Notes
Larry Bell