Object Timeline

1959

  • Work on this object began.

1982

  • We acquired this object.

2016

2021

2025

  • You found it!

Drawing, Study 146, Chart of Symbols Illustrating De Cesare's Form of Musical Notation

This is a Drawing. It was designed by John De Cesare. It is dated July 8, 1959 and we acquired it in 1982. Its medium is color pencil, graphite on cream wove paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

This chart illustrates the artist's own form of musical notation. The shapes represented here are equivalent to traditional musical notation. His vocabulary of forms allows the viewer to "read" the drawings in much the same way as one "reads" a musical score. Reading from left to right:
Columns 1,3, 5 represent notations in the Bass Clef
(note that in the bass clef the angle slants down from left to right)
Column 1 = notes with stems down
Column 3 = notes with stems up
Column 5 = notes which are two-tone chords
Columns 2 and 4 represent Rest Symbols
Columns 6, 8, 10 represent symbols for the Voice parts
Column 6 = Tenor
Column 8 = Alto
Columns 7, 9, 11 represent notations in the Treble Clef
(note that in treble clef the angle slants down from right to left)
Column 7 = notes which are two-tone chords
Column 9 = notes with stems up
Column 11 = notes with stems down

This object was donated by Estate of John De Cesare. It is credited Gift of the Estate of John De Cesare.

Its dimensions are

42.5 × 34.6 cm (16 3/4 × 13 5/8 in.)

It is inscribed

Inscribed in graphite, bottom: c. JdC / S146 (7-8-59)-S146-d=1/2" John De Cesare. / DAW

Cite this object as

Drawing, Study 146, Chart of Symbols Illustrating De Cesare's Form of Musical Notation; Designed by John De Cesare (American, b. Italy, 1890–1972); USA; color pencil, graphite on cream wove paper; 42.5 × 34.6 cm (16 3/4 × 13 5/8 in.); Gift of the Estate of John De Cesare; 1982-25-79

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18799813/ |title=Drawing, Study 146, Chart of Symbols Illustrating De Cesare's Form of Musical Notation |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>