Sonia Gechtoff, The Beginning, 1960. Oil paint on canvas; 69 x 83 in. Denver Art Museum: Vance H. Kirkland Acquisition Fund, 2015.62. ©️ Estate of Sonia Gechtoff.

overall height: 69 in, 175.2600 cm; overall width: 83 in, 210.8200 cm

Artist's name and date written on verso on canvas in TLC. Date and title written on wood crossbeam support.

Modern and Contemporary Art

Modern and Contemporary Art

This object is currently on view

Sonia Gechtoff is recognized as an incredibly significant Bay Area abstract expressionist painter. Prior to creating “The Beginning,” the artist had spent time in Italy, where she was exposed to the fresco cycles of the early Renaissance artist Giotto. According to the artist, the work is intended to be a sort of Genesis story, influenced in particular by Giotto’s Arena Chapel in Padua. Her use of vibrant blues and expressive brushwork within “The Beginning” are evidence of the inspiration she found in Italy.