Maltese Cross 1964

"Maltese Cross" (1964) is a hard-edge abstract painting by American artist Al Held. The painting features a geometric design of a black Maltese cross framed within a larger black square, all set against a white background. The cross is comprised of four yellow rectangles, each offset from the center of the larger black square. Held is known for his bold, geometric compositions, and "Maltese Cross" is a prime example of this style. This work exemplifies Held's minimalist approach to abstraction, using simple forms and colors to explore the relationship between shapes and space.