Love Letter III
- Artist: Charles White
- Date: 1977
- Medium: Lithograph on paper
- Dimensions: image: 764 × 568 mm
- Museum: Tate Modern
- Collection record: Tate Modern website
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About this artwork
This is “Love Letter III” by Charles White. Created in 1977, it’s a lithograph on paper measuring about 764 by 568 millimetres. The piece reflects White’s powerful commentary on the African American experience, using bold contrasts and a stylised figure to capture emotion and narrative. The black and white palette underscores the gravity of the subject, while subtle shading gives the figure depth. It was lent by the Tate Americas Foundation, courtesy of Holly Peterson, in 2021. Recently it was displayed as part of the “Sovereignty of Quiet” installation, inviting viewers to consider themes of identity and belonging. The composition’s rhythmic lines guide the eye across the canvas, encouraging a closer look at each detail.
See it in person
Love Letter III is in the collection of Tate Modern on Bankside, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
