Provenance

Mrs. Sally Avery

Avery, Milton Mrs.
Avery, Sally Michel
Michel, Sally

American, 1902 - 2003

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The image depicts an engraved outline of two individuals on a copper plate. Both figures are seen from the waist up, indicating a partial body representation. They appear to be seated or in a relaxed position next to each other. The features of their faces are minimally defined, offering only basic contours and expressions without detail. The hair is sketched with minimal lines, suggesting short hairstyles. The clothing is suggested by broad lines which seem to depict sleeves and possibly a dress or shirt. Around them, the copper plate serves as a plain metallic background, with limited engravings indicating no additional context or objects outside the figures themselves. The surface also shows recognizable text in the upper left corner.
Milton Avery, Helen and Lily, 1941, drypointed copper plate, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.103

Helen and Lily

Milton Avery · 1941 · drypointed copper plate ·  Accession ID  1991.233.103

The image is a stylized representation of a fish in blue and white colors. The fish is the largest object in the artwork, positioned horizontally in the center. It features textured scales and a defined eye against a blue background with a rectangular border. The artist's signature and numbers are located beneath the image at the bottom edge.
Milton Avery, Fish, 1952, woodcut in blue on wove paper, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.33

Fish

Milton Avery · 1952 · woodcut in blue on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1991.233.33

The image shows a person's upper body in profile, including their head, shoulders, and one arm. The person is leaning forward with their left arm extended towards a piece of paper. Their facial features, hair, and garment are depicted through lines. They hold a piece of paper in their left hand with illegible writing. A lamp with a wide, pleated shade is seen on a surface, hinting at a household setting. The background features flowing lines and patterns, resembling a wooden surface.
Milton Avery, My Wife Sally, 1934, drypointed copper plate, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.88

My Wife Sally

Milton Avery · 1934 · drypointed copper plate ·  Accession ID  1991.233.88

The image displays a black-and-white composition with strong lines outlining a central shape against a textured background. The abstract form suggests a silhouette similar to a rooster, with its comb and wattles indicated in the top portion and its body adorned with a pattern resembling fishnet or lattice. The surrounding patterns and rough texture hint at feathers or a rustic environment, creating an organic scene in an abstract way.
Milton Avery, Rooster, 1953, woodcut in black on wove paper, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.60

Rooster

Milton Avery · 1953 · woodcut in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1991.233.60

The image displays a complex array of etched lines and shapes creating an abstract composition. Curved and jagged lines intersect the surface, forming patterns resembling ripples or scales. The etched lines suggest familiar shapes such as mountain ranges or ocean surfaces in shadow. The texture adds depth, conveying movement within the static form.
Milton Avery, Lamb [recto], 1954, carved woodblock, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.124.a

Lamb [recto]

Milton Avery · 1954 · carved woodblock ·  Accession ID  1991.233.124.a

Milton Avery, Trees by the Sea [verso], 1953, carved woodblock, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.124.b

Trees by the Sea [verso]

Milton Avery · 1953 · carved woodblock ·  Accession ID  1991.233.124.b

The sculpture depicts the outline of a fish carved into a rectangular piece of material. The sculpture is primarily dark green and appears to be made of wood or a similar material, with the carved lines exposing a rougher, slightly lighter surface underneath. The fish is shown in profile, with its body adorned with sporadic patterns that resemble scales, and its tail fin distinctly detailed with straight lines. The fish appears to be slightly raised from the base, giving it a three-dimensional appearance. The overall depth of the carving is shallow, resulting in a flat, relief-like image relative to the base material.
Milton Avery, Fish, 1952, carved woodblock, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.109

Fish

Milton Avery · 1952 · carved woodblock ·  Accession ID  1991.233.109

The image is an etching featuring two human figures outlined with minimal lines on a dark background. One figure appears to be an adult and the other a child, seated or in close proximity. The adult figure is shown in profile with indications of a head covering or hairstyle, and an arm at rest. The child is also in profile, facing the adult, with a round head and delicate facial features. Both figures are draped in implied fabric. The background has slight texture, possibly from scratches or etching marks. In the top right corner, the names "Milton Avery" are inscribed.
Milton Avery, Nursing Baby, 1933, drypointed zinc plate, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.85

Nursing Baby

Milton Avery · 1933 · drypointed zinc plate ·  Accession ID  1991.233.85

The image features bold, wavy lines and textured backgrounds forming a complex pattern. The curved lines intersect with horizontal stripes against a nighttime sky filled with scattered, star-like scratches. The shapes together suggest a landscape viewed from above or from afar, resembling a map or a field under a starry sky, highlighting the abstract nature of the composition.
Milton Avery, Trees by the Sea, 1953, woodcut in black on wove paper, Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.233.67

Trees by the Sea

Milton Avery · 1953 · woodcut in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1991.233.67

The sketch shows an outdoor scene with a couple sitting on uneven ground, embracing. The horizon line isn't clearly defined. The background implies trees or tall grass. The brushstrokes or pen lines are loose and gestural. The image is monochrome with dark ink on a light paper. Foliage is loosely sketched on the left, and lines in the distance suggest a forested area.
Milton Avery, Two Figures Seated on Rocks, 1943, pen and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Sally Michel Avery, 2002.104.2.44

Two Figures Seated on Rocks

Milton Avery · 1943 · pen and black ink on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2002.104.2.44

Bibliography

1982

  • The New York Times Biographical Service, 29 August 1982 [on Milton Avery].

1990

  • Hobbs, Robert. Milton Avery. New York, 1990.