Francis B. Shields

Francis Bernard Shields

American, 1908 - 1990

Explore selected works

The image shows a figure diving towards a large eye within a wave under a fiery sky. The drawing is in black and white, featuring a detailed scene with a figure diving into turbulent waters. Below the figure lies a large eye partially submerged with a unique iris design. The waves around the eye are dynamic and swirling, creating a sense of motion. The sky above is depicted with swirling lines, adding a dramatic and surreal atmosphere.
Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City), The Descent, c. 1938, lithograph in black on Rives BFK wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4400

The Descent

Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City) · c. 1938 · lithograph in black on Rives BFK wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4400

The image shows a collection of amorphous shapes and flowing lines in an abstract composition. A dominant blue shape with a star-like marking inside is transitioning into other forms around it. To its right, a curvilinear form in red stretches upward. Adjacent to this is another flowing formation in white and pale blue, with black outlines and wavy stripes. These shapes rest on a textured, brown base with jagged black shapes. The background is subtle in a light hue.
Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City), Ho Hum, c. 1938, color lithograph on wove paper, Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy, 2017.148.58

Ho Hum

Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City) · c. 1938 · color lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2017.148.58

The image displays geometric and flowing lines. There is an abstract three-dimensional structure on the left side and a large circular shape on the right side. In the foreground, there is a figure lying on the ground. The overall composition combines elements of nature and architecture, creating a mysterious and deep landscape.
Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City), Cold Inferno, c. 1935, lithograph in black on Rives BFK wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4401

Cold Inferno

Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City) · c. 1935 · lithograph in black on Rives BFK wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4401

The image shows a man and woman lying down on the grass. Their bodies are shown from head to knee, lying side by side in a relaxed position. The woman's face is slightly turned towards the viewer, with closed eyes and long, flowing hair spread over the ground. The man also has his eyes closed and rests on his arms, which are crossed in front of him; his hair is short. The woman is wearing a patterned dress, while the man wears a long-sleeve shirt, with the sleeves rolled up. A bottle is placed on the ground near them. In the background, there are more people sitting under trees.
Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City), Midsummer Night Dream, c. 1935, lithograph in black on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4399

Midsummer Night Dream

Francis B. Shields, Federal Art Project (New York City) · c. 1935 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4399