Applied Design, Blockprinted Textiles: Volume V, Motifs

1937-1938

American 20th Century

Associated Names
American 20th Century

Artist

Federal Art Project (Wisconsin)

Publisher

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    portfolio of eleven color woodcuts in a green cloth-covered slipcase

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 64.77 × 49.53 cm (25 1/2 × 19 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.143.1518.1-11

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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

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

The image shows a circular composition with sinuous, wavy lines encapsulating a central shape resembling an animal, specifically a squirrel with a large, bushy tail. The squirrel's body is depicted in an abstract style with exaggerated curves and a rich color palette of deep green, earth tones, and vibrant red. Four abstract objects reminiscent of leaves or decorative motifs are evenly placed around the circle. The outer border consists of a pattern of repeated teardrop shapes in red against a gold background, framing the scene.

Squirrels

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

Inscriptions

upper right cover interior in black ink: Eugene Myers / May 1938

Markings

printed upper right cover in green ink on applied paper: Applied Design / Blockprinted Textiles / Volume V / Motifs / An Educational Service / Prepared by The / Milwaukee WPA / Handicarft Project; printed lower left cover interior in green ink on applied paper: This Portfolio Was / Made by / The / Milwaukee / Handicraft Project / Sponsored by Milwaukee / County and Milwaukee / State Teachers College / Wisconsin / WPA; stamped upper right cover interior in black ink: Eugene E. Myers

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