Gabriel Weather Vane (Technique)

1935/1942

Lucille Chabot

Associated Names
Lucille Chabot

Artist, American, 1908 - 2005

This is a painting of a figure with wings playing a horn. The image shows a stylized silhouette of a winged figure blowing a long trumpet. The figure is depicted with rich tones of rust, green, and blue, resembling the patina of weathered metal, particularly on the upper torso and wings, with intricate detailing that mimics the appearance of sheet metal or copper alloy. The rest of the figure, the lower body and parts of the wings, is outlined but remains uncolored. The background is a plain off-white, emphasizing the figure in the foreground. The painting is in style of an abstract or contemporary expression, using mixed media or collage techniques.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 28 x 40.7 cm (11 x 16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.17977

More About this Artwork

This painting depicts an angel in flight, facing the left and playing a trumpet. The angel's wings are spread out behind them, and their feet are extended out horizontally to the right. A small rod or post extends downward from the torso of the angel. The angel is entirely painted in shades of yellow, reddish-brown, and gray, reminiscent of weathered metal with patches of rust. Small rivets are visible at joints and edges of the angel, which appears to be comprised of small panels. The background of the painting is plain beige paper.

Article:  Seven Highlights from the Index of American Design

Peer into the American past with a collection of Great Depression–era watercolors.

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2002

  • Drawing on America's Past: Folk Art, Modernism, and the Index of American Design, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2002-2003, no. 79, as Angel Gabriel Weather Vane: Demonstration Drawing.

Bibliography

2002

  • Drawing on America's Past: Folk Art, Modernism, and the Index of American Design. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2002-2003: no. 79.

Wikidata ID

Q64594196

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