The Hand that Signed the Paper Felled a City from 21 Etchings and Poems

published 1960

Peter Grippe and Dylan Thomas (author)

Associated Names
Peter Grippe

Artist, American, 1912 - 2002

Dylan Thomas

Author, Welsh, 1914 - 1953

Anderson-Lamb

Printer

Morris Gallery

Publisher

This is a drawing of a poem surrounded by abstract figures. The artwork presents handwritten text detailing a poem called "The Hand that Signed the Paper" by Dylan Thomas, set amidst abstract and surrealist illustrations. The visuals showcase large hands and human forms intertwined with the text. The illustrations suggest a link between the power of written words and human impact, creating a surreal and distorted impression. This reinforces the poem's theme about the consequences of remote decision-making. The drawing employs heavy lines and textures to heighten the dramatic and dark atmosphere.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching from a portfolio of 10 etchings; six etching and aquatints; two engraving and etchings; two etching and drypoints; and one etching, aquatint, and drypoint on Rives paper

  • Credit Line

    Prospero Foundation Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 34.9 x 29.5 cm (13 3/4 x 11 5/8 in.)
    sheet: 50.2 x 42.9 cm (19 3/4 x 16 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1997.6.1.6

Associated Artworks

See all 21 artworks
The image features intricate lines and swirling shapes forming an abstract pattern. In the center, there is a large oval with vertical lines resembling legs, surrounded by looped and jagged lines. The overall composition is chaotic, with scribbles and markings resembling an encrypted language or graffiti. The central figure is enclosed within a border-like framework amidst the variety of shapes.

Poem from 21 Etchings and Poems

Pierre Alechinsky, Dotremont Christian, Anderson-Lamb, Morris Gallery

1951

21 Etchings and Poems

Various Artists, Anderson-Lamb, Morris Gallery

1951

The image displays a collection of intersecting, curvilinear, and angular lines creating a complex pattern. These abstract shapes and lines convey movement and dynamic flow. The bold zigzags and swooping curves suggest a sense of rhythm and energy. The composition is accompanied by a poem and a signature.

To Yeats in Rapallo from 21 Etchings and Poems

Fred Becker, Theodore Russell Weiss, Anderson-Lamb, Morris Gallery

1951

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Sylvan Cole Gallery, New York); purchased 1997 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

center left in plate: Dylan Thomas; lower left in graphite: 50/50; lower right in graphite: Peter Grippe

Wikidata ID

Q75406207

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