The sculpture consists of three vast ribbons of rust-colored steel, created by Richard Serra, who is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, and perhaps the most significant American sculptor to emerge since the 1950s. His work, standing 94 ft (29 m) long and 15 ft (5 m) high, was erected between Peyton and Fine halls on the Princeton campus and is a major contribution to the university's well-known collection of modern outdoor art.
Like other Serra works, "The Hedgehog and the Fox" is understood not merely by viewing, but by walking through it -- encountering different glimpses of sky and light and experiencing new spatial sensations. His works have a reputation for demanding interaction and reflection.