Why is the flag in the bottom half of the canvas of Jasper Johns's Flag (4.4.15)a solid rectangle with a black dot in the middle?
A) the artist was symbolizing the disappearance of American values
B) the painting is unfinished
C) the artist wanted the viewer to rest their eyes on this rectangle after looking at the one in the painting's top half
D) this painting is a part of series, and the red and white portions of the flag are on other paintings
E) none of the other answers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jasper Johns wanted to create a sense of balance in the composition, so he added the solid black rectangle at the bottom of the canvas to provide a counterpoint to the rectangle in the top half of the painting. The dot in the middle creates a visual resting place for the eye after taking in the rest of the composition. It is not intended to symbolize the disappearance of American values or signify an unfinished painting. Additionally, while this painting is part of a series, the red and white portions of the flag are still present within this particular work.

Why Is the Flag in the Bottom Half of the Canvas