Calla Lilies (recto)

1927

Pavel Tchelitchew

Associated Names
Pavel Tchelitchew

Artist, American, 1898 - 1957

The image contains large, wavy-edged flower-like forms resembling calla lilies dominating the upper portion. It has a monochromatic color palette with various shades of black and grey on a beige background, created using what appears to be ink and wash. In the foreground, the flowers occupy the top half, with sketchy lines and darker ink patches suggesting foliage extending downward and filling the bottom. The flowers and leaves are densely packed across the center, with some lighter areas forming the petals’ contours, and darker strokes outlining the leaves and shadowed areas.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with brush and black wash on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (irreg.): 31.8 × 24.1 cm (12 1/2 × 9 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.232.a

Associated Artworks

The image consists of bold, swirling lines and dark, shadowy shapes defining three human figures. The abstract artwork utilizes dense cross-hatching to form expressions and features, suggesting movement and depth. The faces in the top section resemble theatre masks with exaggerated features, while the lower figure appears contemplative with one arm crossed over the chest and the other hand lifted to the face. The figures emerge from or dissolve into the dynamic background of interwoven lines and shapes, hinting at elements of a dream or memory.

Masked Heads and a Figure (verso)

Pavel Tchelitchew

1927


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2012

  • The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2012, 152, no. 66 (entry by Amy R. Johnston).

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: avec toute [mes?] affections / P. Tchelitchew / 1927; lower center in graphite (erased): [Not deciphered]

Wikidata ID

Q64619233

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