Sweet Peas

1891

James David Smillie

Associated Names
James David Smillie

Artist, American, 1833 - 1909

The image features several sweet pea flowers drawn with intricate details. The petals of the flowers are light and feathery. The color scheme is monochromatic using shades of black and gray against a light background, emphasizing the contrast between the flowers and the background. The flowers are arranged in the center with their stems and petals extending outward. The top and bottom edges of the image have sparse areas, directing focus towards the central floral composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    drypoint in black on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts

  • Dimensions

    plate: 17.46 × 12.7 cm (6 7/8 × 5 in.)
    sheet: 40.32 × 27.94 cm (15 7/8 × 11 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.44.32

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Witthoft 1992, no. 68 i/ii (proof 7)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

William and Abigail Gerdts, New York; gift to NGA, 2018

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1998

  • For Beauty and for Truth: The William and Abigail Gerdts Collection of American Still Life, Berry-Hill Galleries, Inc., New York, May-June, 1998, p. 87.

Bibliography

1992

  • Witthoft, Brucia. _The Fine-Arts Etchings of James David Smillie, 1833-1909: Catalogue Raisonné _. Wales, UK: Edwin Mellen Press, 1992, p. 200, no. 68.

1998

  • Danly, Susan and Bruce Weber. For Beauty and for Truth: The William and Abigail Gerdts Collection of American Still Life. Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, Amherst, Mass.; Berry-Hill Galleries, New York, c.1998: 87.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: J Smillie / Aug / '91; lower left of plate in graphite: J.D.S. imp; lower right of plate in graphite: Jame D. Smillie; lower right below platemark in graphite: 7th proof from plate; lower left in graphite by unknown hand: 3 (circled) [not deciphered]

Wikidata ID

Q76342798

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