Turtle

1937-1938

American 20th Century

Associated Names
American 20th Century
Artist
Federal Art Project (Wisconsin)
Publisher
The image displays a circular composition with jagged lines and curvilinear shapes forming an abstract design resembling a turtle. The turtle's shell features star-like and leafy patterns in green and red hues, with its body depicted in a stylized manner with black spots. Surrounding the turtle are smaller leaf-like shapes and motifs resembling leaves or seaweed, creating a textured and layered pattern. Small insect-like shapes in each corner contribute to the overall abstract nature of the piece, hinting at elements of a natural environment.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color woodcut on cotton fabric

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 41.28 × 41.59 cm (16 1/4 × 16 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 45.09 × 41.91 cm (17 3/4 × 16 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.143.1518.6

  • Portfolio Title

    Applied Design, Blockprinted Textiles: Volume V, Motifs

Associated Artworks

See all 11 artworks
The image is composed of four square sections each containing distinct silhouettes filled with pointed and jagged edges. In the upper left square, a bird with wide-spread wings is juxtaposed with abstract cross shapes. The upper right square features stylized flora and circular shapes. The lower left square contains a tree-like figure with upward-stretching branches, whereas the lower right showcases an angular creature similar to a deer with pronounced antlers. The entire image is framed with a border of abstract leaf-like designs.

Flora and Fauna

Barbara Warren, Federal Art Project (Wisconsin)
1937

Applied Design, Blockprinted Textiles: Volume V, Motifs

American 20th Century, Federal Art Project (Wisconsin)
1937
This is a painting featuring two figures in an abstract scene, possibly showing an embrace. The artwork includes stylized natural elements and uses a bold color palette of red, green, brown, and black. One figure wears a headpiece resembling a sun or halo and holds two fish. The figures are draped in flowing cloaks with exaggerated curves, set against abstract patterns suggesting a natural environment. The composition is enclosed in a decorative border. The style appears influenced by expressionism or folk art, showcasing simplified forms and bold outlines.

Eskimos

American 20th Century, Federal Art Project (Wisconsin)
1937

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Eugene E. Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota, 1938; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q77013647

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