Provenance

Dr. Ruth B. Benedict

American, 1913 - 1993

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The image shows the upper half of a person's body, including the head and upper torso. The person is seated and turned slightly to the side, looking over their shoulder directly at the viewer with a neutral expression. They have distinct facial features with a broad nose and are depicted with shoulder-length, wavy hair that peeks out from under a large, elaborate hat. The hat appears to be adorned with feathers and a decorative band. The individual is dressed in a finely detailed garment featuring puffed sleeves and intricate embroidery or trimming along the neckline. Surrounding them is another person, positioned slightly behind and to the side, wearing a draped hood that frames their face. There are also several other figures in the background, some wearing similar attire with headdresses. The setting appears to be an interior or a balcony-like space with architectural elements, such as columns and a railing, visible in the background. The entire composition is rendered in a detailed, line-based style typical of woodcuts or engravings of the period.
Christoffel van Sichem I, A Young Man Playing a Psalterium, c. 1600, woodcut on laid paper, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1994.60.60

A Young Man Playing a Psalterium

Christoffel van Sichem I · c. 1600 · woodcut on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1994.60.60

The artwork depicts a man seated at a desk, engrossed in reading a large open book in front of him. He has a prominent nose, full beard, curly unkempt hair, and wears a textured robe. To his right, there is a large globe on a stand. The background shows detailed etching with light and shadow.
Ferdinand Bol, An Old Man Reading, 1642, etching and drypoint on laid paper, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1994.60.5

An Old Man Reading

Ferdinand Bol · 1642 · etching and drypoint on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1994.60.5

The image features overlapping forms creating a web of lines and textures. It is dominated by dark shades and has an abstract quality. The figures appear fragmented and textured, resembling organic formations. The lines and shapes suggest human forms, with possible connections to gatherings or observing figures. The abstract nature and textural variations give the image a complex appearance, inviting closer inspection.
Mitchell Jamieson, Search and Destroy! Vietnam—Plague Series, 1970, monotype with crayon, pen and black ink on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. Ruth Benedict, 1981), 2015.19.2805

Search and Destroy! Vietnam—Plague Series

Mitchell Jamieson · 1970 · monotype with crayon, pen and black ink on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.2805

The image shows a drawing of two figures and a baby. The focus is on the upper half of a woman holding the baby on her lap. The woman looks down at the child. She has softly drawn facial features and wears a headscarf. The baby is unclothed and held securely. Another figure is present, partially covered by a robe and also wearing a headscarf, looking towards the woman and child. Only facial outlines and one hand are visible. The background has a faint texture, with a basket-like object at the bottom. The drawing uses soft tones and shading, giving it an ethereal quality.
Francesco Vanni, The Marriage of Saint Catherine, red and black chalk on laid paper, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict in memory of her parents, Sophie and Carl Boschwitz, 1977.51.1

The Marriage of Saint Catherine

Francesco Vanni · · red and black chalk on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1977.51.1

This is a drawing depicting a complex allegorical scene. The central figure appears to be carved from stone with flowing hair and a headpiece resembling feathers or leaves. A cherubic figure with wings holds a small trumpet nearby. Various items like a basket and a scroll are scattered on the ground. The line work creates rich texture and intricate detail, defining the leaves, fabric, and mythical figures in the drawing.
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, The Genius of Castiglione, before 1648, etching, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict in memory of William S. Benedict, 1981.56.1

The Genius of Castiglione

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione · before 1648 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.56.1

The image depicts a woman sitting by a window. She is seated on a chair next to the window, with one arm on the windowsill and the other in her lap. She has an elaborate updo, wearing a long dress with a high collar, a ribbon at the waist, and sleeves covering her arms. A small decorative tabletop is next to her, holding a container. Another chair in front of her has a basket with fabric or clothing items. The background shows a dimly lit room with heavy drapes, a framed portrait on the wall, and a lattice design on the window. Light is filtering in from outside.
Achille Devéria, L'Inquietude, 1829, lithograph, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1981.76.2

L'Inquietude

Achille Devéria · 1829 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  1981.76.2

The image depicts four individuals in a workshop setting. A person sits on a stool to the left, while another seated figure is on the right. A third person is kneeling and working on a shoe. In the background, a fourth person stands on a bench. The room is cluttered with shelves, hanging items, and scattered tools.
Cornelis Dusart, Jacob Gole, The Merry Shoemaker, 1695, etching, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1984.88.2

The Merry Shoemaker

Cornelis Dusart, Jacob Gole · 1695 · etching ·  Accession ID  1984.88.2

The image shows the full body of a person standing upright. They are positioned facing forward with their head slightly turned to the left. The person has long, straight hair and distinct facial features that include a strong jawline and a prominent nose. They are dressed in traditional attire, which includes a large, decorated cloak or shawl adorned with intricate patterns, and leggings that reach the center of their thighs. The individual is holding a long staff or spear with a tuft of hair at its end. Around their neck hangs a series of large, circular necklaces. Attached to their hair is a feather. The background consists of an outdoor landscape with hills or mountains in the distance and some plants and grass near the person's feet. In the far distance, two smaller figures are visible standing among some trees.
Karl Bodmer, Ein Monitari Indianer, 1839, lithograph, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1981.76.1

Ein Monitari Indianer

Karl Bodmer · 1839 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  1981.76.1

This image shows a view from an elevated perspective down a dirt path curving towards a castle in a dense landscape. The horizon is formed by the castle's roofline and surrounding trees. A fence and cart are near the path, leading towards the castle. The stone structures are detailed with precise lines while the trees are portrayed with more fluid strokes. The color scheme is monochromatic with shades of gray and black. The sky has swirling clouds framing the scene.
Eugène Isabey, Château de Pesteil à Polminhac, 1832, lithograph in black on chine collé, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1994.60.33

Château de Pesteil à Polminhac

Eugène Isabey · 1832 · lithograph in black on chine collé ·  Accession ID  1994.60.33

This image shows a portrait of a person with their head and shoulders visible. The individual is facing forward with a slight turn of the head towards the side. The face has stylized features, including large eyes and defined lips. The short hair is depicted in a sleek manner. The person is wearing a simple collar. Below the image is the text "MARCELLE LA BRUNE." The background consists of abstract, angular shapes, suggesting a cubist influence.
Juan Gris, Marcelle la Brune, 1921, lithograph in green on paper, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1994.60.31

Marcelle la Brune

Juan Gris · 1921 · lithograph in green on paper ·  Accession ID  1994.60.31