Two Wicked Words--"They Say"

1932

Winsor McCay

Associated Names
Winsor McCay

Artist, American, 1869(?) - 1934

This is a drawing of a large crowd listening to a figure labeled "SLANDER" who is shouting from a podium-like structure. The drawing depicts a figure draped in a cloak with the words "SLANDER" written prominently on its base, shouting at a densely packed crowd of faces. The shouted words "THEY SAY" are illustrated in large letters, stretching across the image, with the echo "YAS EH" appearing in reverse above. An eerie face labeled "ECHO" is depicted on a distant mountain-like rise on the right side of the drawing. The mass of people appears quite uniform, with expressions suggesting concern, attention, or alarm. The use of stark black and white contrast, along with detailed line work, emphasizes the ominous theme and message of the drawing.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink and brush and black ink over graphite, with blue colored pencil and pasted overlay, on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Gift of the Moniz Family

  • Dimensions

    image: 27.94 x 57.47 cm (11 x 22 5/8 in.)
    sheet: 31.75 x 58.74 cm (12 1/2 x 23 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2008.128.3


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

by descent to Ray Winsor Moniz (grandson of the artist); by descent to Margaret Ann Moniz and Ann Winsor Moniz, Highland Falls, NY; gift to NGA, 2008

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower right in pen and black ink: Winsor / McCay; top and bottom margins in graphite and blue colored pencil: [not deciphered]

Markings

upper left verso: blue time clock ink stamp recording 5 PM July 2, 1932; verso: partial blue sticker

Wikidata ID

Q64640506

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