Fifth Stone 1964

Lee Bontecou made 'Fifth Stone,' a lithograph print, in 1969. It presents an abstract image of concentric ovals with a stark black center. Bontecou emerged as an artist during the Cold War, and her work often reflects the anxieties and technological advancements of that era. The black void in "Fifth Stone" evokes a sense of the unknown, perhaps hinting at the uncertainties of space exploration or the potential dangers of unchecked technological progress. In the 1960s there was a burgeoning interest in space and the unknown, and in that context, the concentric ovals of this print seem to be referencing the technology involved in this exploration. To truly understand Bontecou’s place in art history, one might explore publications, exhibition catalogs, and critical reviews from the period. These resources can offer valuable insights into the social and institutional contexts that shaped her artistic vision. In the end, art gains its fullest meaning through an examination of its historical and cultural circumstances.