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Artists Reimagining the Collection
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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Starting June 3
Exhibitions & Events
Featured event:

Block Party
Join us June 6
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

By Parties Unknown

published 1996

Hale Woodruff

Associated Names

Hale Woodruff

Artist, American, 1900 - 1980

Robert Blackburn

Printer, American, 1920 - 2003

Printed with black on white paper, a person with hands bound behind his back and a cut noose around his neck lies on the stairs leading up to a wood-sided building in this vertical linocut. The white lines are gouged like slashes against the dense, pressing black. The person’s hair is cut short, their muscular arms exposed in the sleeveless shirt, and their pants are tattered above the knee. The head is bent sharply down, the chin at the chest. The building has arched windows filled with shapes, suggesting stained glass and indicating that this is a church. The double doors are closed, and a few leafy plants grow to each side of the warped, partially broken steps.

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Artwork overview

Medium

linocut in black on wove paper
Credit Line

Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation
Dimensions

image: 30.3 × 22.7 cm (11 15/16 × 8 15/16 in.)
sheet: 48.5 × 38 cm (19 1/8 × 14 15/16 in.)
Accession Number

2008.115.559.2
Portfolio Title

Selections from the Atlanta Period, 1931-1946

The image shows the upper half of a person's body. The person is in a relaxed position, with closed eyes, a broad nose, and full lips. They have textured short hair and are wearing a beaded necklace. The background consists of intricate black-and-white patterns with organic shapes resembling foliage and floral designs. — African Headdress

Hale Woodruff, Robert Blackburn

1996

Selections from the Atlanta Period, 1931-1946

Hale Woodruff, Robert Blackburn

1996

This is a drawing featuring various figures, a horse, and a dramatic scene. The image is created in a woodcut or linocut style with bold lines and high contrast between black and white. There is a central figure hanging from a noose, flanked by individuals, one gesturing or commanding. A cart or wagon is visible with wheels and planks. Trees are depicted in the background, and a horse is rearing up on the right side. The use of light and shadow enhances the emotional impact, and the figures are stylized with exaggerated features. — Giddap

Hale Woodruff, Robert Blackburn

1996

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite by unknown hand: 169/300

Markings

embossed lower left: [The Printmaking Workshop]; embossed lower right: © Hale Woodruff

Wikidata ID

Q76441012

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