Toward the Blue Peninsula 1952

Joseph Cornell created this assemblage, Toward the Blue Peninsula, from wood, paint, glass, and various found objects. It’s one of his signature shadow boxes. Cornell was a New York artist, and these boxes offer us an intimate look into the creative life of the mid-20th century in the United States. Here, we see the influence of European Surrealism, but filtered through a distinctly American sensibility. The blue of the peninsula, barely glimpsed, evokes a sense of yearning and unattainable dreams. Cornell’s work reflects the era's fascination with psychoanalysis and the exploration of the subconscious. The grid-like structure and compartmentalization speak to themes of confinement, observation, and the act of framing. The box itself becomes a stage for the theater of the mind. To fully appreciate Cornell, one can delve into his biography and the cultural context in which he worked. His works are deeply personal, and yet, resonant with universal themes.