Palindrome

1974

Not on view

In this optically complex self-portrait, Hamilton re-creates the illusion of touching the surface of a mirror, which results in the simultaneous views of the back of his extended hand and arm and the front of his face and body. Palindrome—derived from the Greek words for “fast” (palin) and “return” or “rebound” (dromos)—applies to words, numbers, or phrases that read the same backward or forward (for example, “eye”) and to photons bouncing off a reflective surface. Created especially for the group portfolio Mirrors of the Mind, published by Marian Goodman and Multiples Inc., New York, Palindrome gave the artist the impetus to try a new technology—lenticular, laminated, three-dimensional printing.

Artwork Details

Title: Palindrome
Artist: Richard Hamilton (British, London 1922–2011 Oxfordshire)
Date: 1974
Medium: Lenticular acrylic sheet laminated on color collotype with white paper sticker
Edition: 84/100 + 10 artist's and 6 publisher's proofs
Dimensions: 23 3/8 × 17 3/8 in. (59.4 × 44.1 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Purchase, Reba and Dave Williams Gift, 2000
Object Number: 2000.382
Rights and Reproduction: © 2026 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

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Stroh Violin, George Evans & Co. English, Mahogany and aluminum, British — Stroh Violin
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"Harmonies: Intérieurs de Ruhlmann" Portfolio, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann French, Collotype prints, some hand colored; cardboard cover with cloth ties — "Harmonies: Intérieurs de Ruhlmann" Portfolio
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Editor Jean Badovici
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A Languid Floating Flower, Richard Hamilton British, Hard–ground etching and aquatint — A Languid Floating Flower
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Aeolian Harp, Wood, iron, gut strings, British — Aeolian Harp
British
late 19th century

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