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Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Forty Flakes [preparatory drawing]

1991

Christopher Brown

Associated Names

Christopher Brown

Artist, American, born 1951

This is a painting of figures skating on ice. The image captures many figures dispersed across an icy surface, depicted in motion as they glide. Shadows of the figures stretch on the ground, enhancing the sense of movement. The use of muted colors gives the painting a gently faded appearance, while the figures' dark outlines and soft edges contribute to an impression of fluidity and energy. The composition invites the viewer to observe the lively scene without focusing on individual features or expressions, emphasizing the collective activity instead. This is in the style of Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

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Artwork overview

Medium

red colored pencil and graphite on tracing paper [preparatory drawing]
Credit Line

Gift of Kathan Brown
Dimensions

31.5 x 31.5 in.
Accession Number

2024.132.220
Catalogue Raisonné

[preparatory drawing]

Artwork history & notes

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