William Parker Abbe

American, 1916 - 1983

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The image shows an aerial view of a sailboat race on a sea. The sailboats are navigating through the water, some displaying numbered sails. One sailboat prominently features an American flag and the number "2" on its sail. Other sailboats with numbered sails are scattered around, creating a diagonal pattern. People in yellow attire are seen on some boats. Waves are depicted along the left edge of the image. The color palette includes sea green, white, deep blues, yellow, and red. The style is graphic and poster-like, with clean lines and solid colors.
William Parker Abbe, Untitled (Sailboat Race), c. 1950, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.570

Untitled (Sailboat Race)

William Parker Abbe · c. 1950 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.570

The image contains sharp, angular shapes and curved lines, depicting an abstract cityscape. Buildings with leaning angles give the impression of a busy city. A subway station is on the left with people inside a curved subway car. The buildings appear distorted and tall, almost like skyscrapers reaching into the sky. Fish swim vertically in the bottom right against a flowing backdrop, while seagulls fly overhead.
William Parker Abbe, City by the Sea, 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.579

City by the Sea

William Parker Abbe · 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.579

The image depicts a person from head to about mid-thigh, standing with arms outstretched. The person has strongly defined features including dark, wavy hair and a mustache. They wear a suit with a visible tie. The illustration has a style that emphasizes sharp angles and contrasts. The background consists of abstract geometric shapes suggesting a dynamic environment.
William Parker Abbe, TOM, c. 1940, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.577

TOM

William Parker Abbe · c. 1940 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.577

The image is a drawing of a militaristic figure with stylized elements. The design is high-contrast black and white, featuring a figure in a uniform with an armband standing on a globe-like shape, extending one arm outward in a pointed gesture. In the background, there are industrial-looking coils or pipes, along with geometrical and abstract forms. The figure's stance and lines convey power and movement.
William Parker Abbe, ADOLF, c. 1940, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.574

ADOLF

William Parker Abbe · c. 1940 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.574

The image shows a stylized print of a man in a frontal position, walking forward. He has a mustache, simplified facial features, a bowler hat, a suit with a tie, and is holding an umbrella in his right hand. The background features decorative elements like birds or planes flying in the sky and abstract shapes representing clouds or landscape. The style is characterized by bold lines and minimal details.
William Parker Abbe, SIR NEVILLE, c. 1940, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.573

SIR NEVILLE

William Parker Abbe · c. 1940 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.573

The image depicts a stylized portrait of a man from the chest up. He has bold and simplified facial features, with thick eyebrows, a prominent mustache, and short cropped hair. He is wearing a buttoned shirt with a collar. In the background, there are silhouetted architectural elements resembling Russian Orthodox church domes. The backdrop features geometric shapes indicating urban or industrial elements. No jewelry or objects are visible in his hands.
William Parker Abbe, JOE, c. 1940, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.575

JOE

William Parker Abbe · c. 1940 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.575

The image is a monochromatic artwork of a figure from the waist up. The person is facing forward, with bold outline details on their face. The figure has a frown, marked eyebrows, and wears a wide-brimmed hat covering some hair. They are dressed in formal attire with a suit and tie. In the foreground, there are three microphones labeled "JAL," "CBS," and "NBC" closely positioned in front of the figure. The background is an abstract representation, possibly of buildings or industrial structures, contrasting with the central image.
William Parker Abbe, THE LITTLE FLOWER, c. 1940, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.578

THE LITTLE FLOWER

William Parker Abbe · c. 1940 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.578

The image displays a partial profile view of a person with a focus on the head, upper torso, and one raised arm. The individual is positioned to the left, facing toward the right, with a hand raised in gesture. The facial features are stylized with sharp, angular lines, including a prominent nose, glasses, and a broad smile. The hair is depicted as short and slicked back or partially bald. The attire suggests formal clothing, including a jacket sleeve and a high collar. No jewelry or objects are visible. In the background, there are architectural elements like arches or columns on the left, and abstract wavy lines on the right.
William Parker Abbe, F.D.R., c. 1940, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.576

F.D.R.

William Parker Abbe · c. 1940 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.576

The image shows an urban scene capturing towering architecture. The view is from ground level, with buildings blocking the horizon. Close-up, there are dilapidated brownstone structures with boarded-up windows and wooden supports. In the distance, a tall building looms with deep shadows and textured surfaces. Brushstrokes depict urban decay, creating depth and character in the stonework and surfaces. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the scene's starkness and moodiness. The sky above has swirling clouds, adding to the ominous ambiance of the image.
William Parker Abbe, The Brownstones Go!, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.581

The Brownstones Go!

William Parker Abbe · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.581

This is a drawing of a tattoo studio. The storefront has various signs advertising tattooing, tattoo removal, and room prices. There is a vertical sign with staggered lettering spelling "TATTOOING". The window displays "Tattoo Studio" and "Sailor Tex". A sign advertises "Tattoo Removing!" with an arrow. Architectural details frame the doorway, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Two figures are depicted in front of the studio, one in a hat and patterned coat motioning towards the entrance, and the other in a textured coat and hat.
William Parker Abbe, Untitled (Tattoo Parlor), 1939, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.571

Untitled (Tattoo Parlor)

William Parker Abbe · 1939 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.571