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Open 10:00–5:00

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

Two Birds

1952

Milton Avery

Associated Names

Milton Avery

Artist, American, 1885 - 1965

The image showcases bold, irregular black shapes with pronounced outlines against a lighter background, forming an abstract composition. The central figure resembles a birdlike form with stylized wings on either side and a beak. The abstract design suggests a rough interpretation, with textures and uneven edges adding complexity. The broad strokes and minimal details connect to familiar shapes while maintaining an ambiguous, artistic essence.

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Artwork overview

Medium

woodcut in black on wove paper
Credit Line

Gift of the Avery Family, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art
Dimensions

image: 6.5 x 17.7 cm (2 9/16 x 6 15/16 in.)
sheet: 16.7 x 19.9 cm (6 9/16 x 7 13/16 in.)
Accession Number

1991.233.39
Catalogue Raisonné

Lunn 1973, no. 44, i/iii

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1973

Lunn, Harry H., Jr. Milton Avery: Prints 1933-1955. Washington, D.C.: Graphics International Ltd., 1973, no. 44, i/iii.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: artists proof; lower right in graphite: Milton Avery 1952

Wikidata ID

Q75117227

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