Circus Scene

c. 1950

John Marin

Associated Names
John Marin

Artist, American, 1870 - 1953

The image consists of black swirling lines and shapes, with bursts of red and pink scattered throughout. Blue smudges are also present, creating a sense of depth. The composition evokes movement and liveliness, allowing viewers to draw their own connections to the abstract interplay of colors and lines.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black chalk and watercolor on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of John Marin, Jr.

  • Dimensions

    overall: 22.6 x 30.1 cm (8 7/8 x 11 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1986.54.163.n

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Reich 1970, 50.9

  • Series Title

    Marin Sketchbook

Associated Artworks

See all 19 artworks

Marin Sketchbook

John Marin

1945

The image shows loosely drawn black and grey lines crossing the page, creating dynamic movement. Splashes of blue, red, and green are scattered across the drawing. Vaguely suggested forms include horses and figures riding them. Smudged and layered pencil marks might represent background mountains or structures. Bright red patches could evoke flags or attire, while pink and green hint at the natural environment.

Circus Scene

John Marin

1945

Circus Scene

John Marin

1945

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1970

  • Reich, Sheldon. John Marin: A Stylistic Analysis and Catalogue Raisonné. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1970, no. 50.9.

Inscriptions

upper left verso in graphite: SR 50.9 / (Circus Scene) / 9 x 11 3/4 / ca. 1950; upper right verso in graphite: NBM 5/10/84; lower left verso in graphite: N G36452

Wikidata ID

Q64583098

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