Anton Refregier

American, 1905 - 1979

Explore selected works

The image shows a side profile sketch of a person seated on a block. The individual is seen from the knees up, with the upper body slightly leaning forward, head bowed in a contemplative pose. The facial features are minimal, with a visible eye and nose profile. The person wears long, loose garments that fall to the ground. Their hands are visible, one holding the edge of the draped garment. The sketch depicts distinct lines to show the fabric texture. The background is plain, emphasizing the seated figure.
Anton Refregier, Seated Woman, 1970, pencil on wove paper, Gift of Jacob Kainen, 2002.98.237

Seated Woman

Anton Refregier · 1970 · pencil on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.98.237
This print shows a group of men from the waist up, positioned in an outdoor setting. The man on the left has a beard and light brown hair peeking out from a large black hat, and he is wearing a red shirt beneath a blue vest. He is turned slightly, extending his arm to show something between his fingers, which has drawn the attention of the other men. The men on the right are dressed similarly in red and blue attire, also wearing wide-brimmed hats, with their mouths open and their hands raised up. One man's face is more visible, displaying a roughly depicted face with a mustache, while the rest of the men have partly obscured facial details. Their skin is in shades of peach and tan. Around them, the scene includes tall trees and mountains, suggesting a forested or rugged landscape. The sky is visible in the background, with mixtures of blue and white cloud patterns.
Anton Refregier, Discovery of Gold, 1949, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4064

Discovery of Gold

Anton Refregier · 1949 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4064
This is a painting of a waterfront strike. The image depicts a dynamic scene with various workers and symbolic elements that convey a sense of protest and unity. In the foreground, several hands, some raised with gestures, are reaching upwards. To the left, a figure in a suit stands in front of a brick wall, facing the crowd. To the right, a man in work clothes and a cap appears to be engaged with the workers. Surrounding these figures are signs with bold letters, such as "UNITY" and "STRIKE WON." The background showcases more industrial elements with stacks of goods and a waterfront setting. The color palette includes earthy tones with pops of red and yellow.
Anton Refregier, San Francisco '34 Waterfront Strike, 1949, color screenprint on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4065

San Francisco '34 Waterfront Strike

Anton Refregier · 1949 · color screenprint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4065
This is a painting showing a clash between groups holding opposing banners and wielding batons in a street scene. The crowd of figures is engaged in a demonstration or protest in front of a building with large, arched windows. The crowd is divided, holding up banners with conflicting messages—one reads "NO SECESSION IN CALIFORNIA" while another states "JOIN SOUTH." The figures are portrayed in a stylized manner, wearing hats and coats, and brandishing dark batons. The background features a pinkish-red wall of a building, contrasting with the darker silhouettes of the figures in the crowd. The painting is in the style of Anton Refregier, known for focusing on social issues and urban scenes.
Anton Refregier, Slave Issue in San Francisco, 1947, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4066

Slave Issue in San Francisco

Anton Refregier · 1947 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4066
This is a painting of five figures walking. The figures are represented with elongated bodies and exaggerated features, wearing flowing garments. Two of them have their heads covered. The image is monochromatic, using only black and white. The figures appear to be in motion across a rough terrain, with background elements suggesting structures. The style is expressive with bold lines and dynamic composition.
Anton Refregier, Mine Accident, c. 1935-1943, woodcut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4067

Mine Accident

Anton Refregier · c. 1935-1943 · woodcut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4067
This is a drawing of several figures carrying a coffin through a barren landscape. The drawing is monochrome, executed in shades of black and gray. The scene depicts a group of figures carrying a coffin through a barren landscape. The background shows a bare tree and rugged ground. The figures have elongated faces and serious expressions, creating a feeling of mourning or solemnity. The drawing captures a poignant moment with an emphasis on the emotional weight of the scene.
Anton Refregier, Miner's Funeral, 1934, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4068

Miner's Funeral

Anton Refregier · 1934 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4068
This is a drawing of two figures engaged in logging or woodcutting activities in a wooded area. The composition is rendered in a monochrome, woodcut style. There are two figures at the center, depicted with simplified, angular forms. One figure appears to be standing with an axe in hand, resting one leg on a log. The other figure appears to be seated or kneeling, also holding an axe. The background consists of tree trunks and branches, adding to the rustic, forested setting. The overall style focuses on the interplay between the figures and their environment.
Anton Refregier, Lumberjacks, c. 1930, woodcut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4069

Lumberjacks

Anton Refregier · c. 1930 · woodcut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4069