Charles Knowles

American, 1939 - 1958

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This is an image of a minimalist and textual cover design. The image shows a light red background with bold, large black letters spelling the phrase "the psalm book" aligned to the right side of the composition. The font is bold and has a slightly weathered, block-style appearance, filling the right half of the image.
Charles Knowles, Title Page, c. 1957, woodcut in black on orange paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.1

Title Page

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in black on orange paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.1

This is a painting of various animals and a human figure. The painting features a variety of animals and a prominently displayed standing human figure arranged on a flat, earthy brown background. In the upper left corner, there are three birds, drawn in a simplistic style, each facing right. Below them is a stylized sheep with distinctive curved horns. Next to the sheep is a bull showing strong linear patterns. Below the bull are three blue fish with simple detailing. The right side of the canvas is dominated by a large white human figure with bold linear patterns on the body. Finally, in the lower right corner, a red lion with an expressive mane and a coiled tail is present. This artwork showcases a blend of abstract and symbolic representation of fauna and a human figure in a tribal-like, simplified form.
Charles Knowles, Man and Animals, c. 1957, color linoleum cut on brown paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.5

Man and Animals

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · color linoleum cut on brown paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.5

This is a photograph of a text page featuring a Roman numeral and a religious psalm. The page displays Psalm 47 with the numeral "xlvii" in a bold, orange typeface on the left side. The psalm's text is in a smaller, black font on the right, discussing themes of praise and worship of God and His kingship over the earth. The design balances the bold numeral with the detailed scripture, blending graphic design and religious literature aesthetics. The background is a light, pale blue color.
Charles Knowles, Psalm 47, c. 1957, woodcut in black and orange on light green-blue paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.6

Psalm 47

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in black and orange on light green-blue paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.6

This is a photograph of a typographic artwork featuring text. The image consists of a centered letter "I" in a bold brown block style on a plain beige background. To the right of this letter, there is a body of text in brown lettering. The text appears to be a passage with a series of lines structured like a poem or religious verse, printed with evenly spaced, justified alignment. The words exhibit a traditional serif font. The composition is minimalist.
Charles Knowles, Psalm I, c. 1957, woodcut in brown on light brown paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.2

Psalm I

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in brown on light brown paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.2

The image features curved and wavy lines. The top section shows repeating yellow arches above horizontal teal waves. Below is an abstract depiction of four figures in dark green, holding onto a rope, with the first figure holding a staff and wearing a pointed hat. The composition suggests a connection to nature and a procession of people or entertainers against a stylized landscape.
Charles Knowles, Trees with Harps and Figures Below, c. 1957, color woodcut and linoleum cut on gray paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.13

Trees with Harps and Figures Below

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · color woodcut and linoleum cut on gray paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.13

The image shows abstract representations of four figures engaged in a musical ensemble. The first figure on the left holds a stringed instrument, the second figure holds a trumpet-like instrument, the third figure holds a stringed instrument, and the fourth figure holds a drum. The figures are depicted in a stylized and simplistic manner, creating a visual symphony reminiscent of a cultural or historical musical gathering.
Charles Knowles, Four Figures Playing Musical Instruments, c. 1957, color Woodcut, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.17

Four Figures Playing Musical Instruments

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · color Woodcut ·  Accession ID  1974.107.17

This is a photograph of a printed text page featuring Psalm 121. The arrangement includes the Roman numeral "CXXI" in bold, large black letters at the top of the page. Below, the Psalm is printed in a serif font. The document is centered on a cream-colored background that appears aged.
Charles Knowles, Psalm 121, c. 1957, woodcut in black on buff paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.10

Psalm 121

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in black on buff paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.10

This is a photograph of an engraved and printed document cover. The document cover is a simple, brown sheet with text printed in the lower right quadrant. The text indicates that the item was "ENGRAVED, PRINTED, & SOLD by CHARLES KNOWLES, printer at the PUTNEY SCHOOL; & signed by him." Below this text is a signature, "Charles Knowles," followed by text indicating that this is "copy number 5 of ten numbered copies." The overall composition is minimalistic, focusing on the typography and the information it conveys.
Charles Knowles, Colophon, c. 1957, woodcut in black on brown paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.18

Colophon

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in black on brown paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.18

This is a photograph of a printed poem on a sheet of paper. There is a large-typed Latin numeral "CXXXVII" at the top of the page, followed by the title "A lament in exile." The text below is in a formal serif font, displaying Psalm 137, a biblical passage. It describes the lamentation of people by the rivers of Babylon, focusing on themes of memory, longing, and justice. The background shows an image of harps and willows, which corresponds to the psalm’s mention of harps hanging upon willows. The overall presentation gives the photograph a thoughtful and historical feel, emphasizing the somber, reflective nature of the biblical passage.
Charles Knowles, Psalm 137, c. 1957, woodcut in gold and black on gray paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.12

Psalm 137

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in gold and black on gray paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.12

This is a photograph of a printed text. The image shows a page with printed text containing a passage titled "A Psalm of David." The text is divided into two columns, with paragraphs laid out in a serif typeface. At the top left, there is a large, bold, black "CX" printed in a decorative font. The background of the page is a light beige color. The overall composition of the photograph focuses on the textual elements, highlighting the typography and layout of the content.
Charles Knowles, Psalm 110 (A Psalm of David), c. 1957, woodcut in black on light brown paper, Gift of Philip Hofer in memory of Charles Hofer III, 1974.107.8

Psalm 110 (A Psalm of David)

Charles Knowles · c. 1957 · woodcut in black on light brown paper ·  Accession ID  1974.107.8