Target Ulae 147

Jasper Johns' Target Ulae 147: A Study in Repetition and Variation

Target Ulae 147, created by Jasper Johns in 1974, represents a pivotal moment in the artist's exploration of the target motif, a subject he first introduced in the mid-1950s. This particular work, executed as a lithograph, demonstrates Johns' mastery of printmaking techniques and his ongoing fascination with the interplay between familiar imagery and abstract expression. The piece is part of a series of target prints created in collaboration with master printer Kenneth Tyler at Tyler Graphics Ltd., where Johns produced some of his most significant graphic works.

The 1974 lithograph emerges from a period when Johns was deeply engaged with the technical possibilities of printmaking. Unlike his earlier target paintings, which often incorporated three-dimensional elements and dense encrustations of paint, Target Ulae 147 exhibits a refined approach to the subject. The concentric circles, a hallmark of Johns' target series, are rendered with precision, yet they retain the hand-drawn quality that prevents the image from becoming purely mechanical. As noted by the Museum of Modern Art, this period in Johns' career was marked by a "renewed interest in the technical aspects of printmaking and the ways in which different processes could yield different visual effects" (MoMA, Jasper Johns: A Retrospective, 1996).

The Evolution of Johns' Target Series

By the time Johns created Target Ulae 147, he had been working with the target motif for nearly two decades. The target first appeared in his work in 1955, serving as both a literal representation and a metaphorical device. Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, Johns returned to the target repeatedly, each time finding new ways to explore its formal possibilities and conceptual implications.

This particular work from 1974 belongs to a group of prints that demonstrate Johns' increasing comfort with the lithographic process. The Smithsonian American Art Museum notes that during this period, "Johns' prints became more complex in their layering and more subtle in their variations, as the artist pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved through printmaking" (Smithsonian American Art Museum, Jasper Johns: An Allegory of Painting, 1982). The target in Ulae 147 is both immediately recognizable and distinctly different from his earlier treatments of the subject, with a greater emphasis on the interplay of line and texture.

In Target Ulae 147, Johns achieves a delicate balance between precision and spontaneity, where the mechanical nature of printmaking meets the artist's hand.

Technical Innovation in Target Ulae 147

Layering and Texture

One of the most striking aspects of Target Ulae 147 is Johns' use of layering to create depth and texture. Unlike his paintings, where texture is often achieved through the physical application of paint and found objects, in this lithograph, Johns builds texture through the careful overlay of multiple printing plates. The result is a surface that appears almost tactile, with the concentric circles of the target taking on a dimensional quality.

Color and Contrast

The color palette in Target Ulae 147 is restrained yet effective. Johns employs a limited range of tones, allowing the interplay of light and dark to define the form. The contrast between the dense center of the target and the lighter outer rings creates a sense of visual tension, drawing the viewer's eye inward. This careful modulation of tone is characteristic of Johns' approach to color in his graphic works, where subtlety often takes precedence over boldness.

Styling Target Ulae 147 in Your Space

Target Ulae 147's balanced composition and neutral palette make it a versatile addition to a variety of interior styles. The 30×40 cm size is particularly well-suited for spaces where you want to make a statement without overwhelming the room. Consider placing this framed print in a study or office, where its intellectual rigor can be appreciated. The work's muted tones pair beautifully with walls painted in soft grays or warm whites, allowing the intricate details of the lithograph to take center stage. For a more dramatic effect, position the print against a deep navy or charcoal background, which will accentuate the contrast in the target's concentric circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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