Howard Cook

Cook, Howared Norton

American, 1901 - 1980

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The image depicts three men in monochrome, each facing different directions from the shoulders up. The man on the left is in profile, with deeply set facial features and loosely combed back hair. The man in the center looks directly ahead with a serious expression, prominent cheekbones, and short hair. The man on the right is shown in three-quarter profile with furrowed brows and swept back hair. They are wrapped in draped clothing resembling shawls or cloaks. Stylized winged figures and geometric patterns are visible in the background against a bright light. The artwork utilizes strong contrasts of black and white for depth and texture.
Howard Cook, Torch Press, The Woodcut Society, Eagle Dance, 1942, wood engraving in black on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.2814

Eagle Dance

Howard Cook, Torch Press, The Woodcut Society · 1942 · wood engraving in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1943.3.2814

The image shows three individuals with their upper bodies and faces depicted. The individuals have prominent facial features. The person in the foreground, centered, has a draped garment. The two people behind have similar garments, with one of their hands visible resting on the shoulder of the central figure. Their hair is slicked back. In the background, there is a stylized representation of a landscape, possibly mountains or hills, with figures resembling winged persons or creatures. In the background, there are ancient structures with a square geometric pattern against a softly textured backdrop. The entire image is a monochrome engraving with high contrast between dark and light areas.
Howard Cook, Torch Press, The Woodcut Society, Eagle Dance, 1942, wood engraving in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Frank B. Bristow, 1968), 2015.19.1140

Eagle Dance

Howard Cook, Torch Press, The Woodcut Society · 1942 · wood engraving in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.1140

The image depicts a cityscape viewed from ground level, surrounded by tall skyscrapers. The buildings dominate the scene, showing a style characterized by strong lines and shading. The architecture is rendered with meticulous pencil or ink lines creating depth. The color palette is primarily black, white, and shades of grey, emphasizing light and shadows. People and vehicles are present, and roads curve into the distance among the buildings. In the background, smoke or clouds drift skyward above the city. A flag prominently waves from a building on the left, adding movement to the scene.
Howard Cook, American Artists Group, Looking up Broadway, 1937, lithograph in black on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.1310

Looking up Broadway

Howard Cook, American Artists Group · 1937 · lithograph in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.1310

The image shows the upper body of a young boy, including part of the torso and hands. He is positioned facing forward, with his hands resting one over the other. His facial features are finely detailed, with large, expressive eyes and a serious expression. He has short, closely-cropped hair. He is wearing a dark garment with a high collar, with two distinctive buttons visible at the shoulders. The sleeves of his clothing are lighter in color. There is no visible jewelry or objects in his hands. The background is plain and white.
Howard Cook, American Artists Group, Little Dolphin, 1936, lithograph in black, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.5251

Little Dolphin

Howard Cook, American Artists Group · 1936 · lithograph in black ·  Accession ID  2008.115.5251

This is a drawing of a crowded market scene with a central figure playing a guitar. The image is densely packed with figures all wearing wide-brimmed hats. The scene is vibrant and dynamic, with people gathered in small groups, some appearing to converse while others are engaged in different activities such as playing music. There is a notable presence of geometric shapes, such as the angular forms of the tents and the triangular flags. The shading is rich and contrasts effectively, creating depth and texture throughout the composition.
Howard Cook, Fiesta, 1933, etching in balck on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.1308

Fiesta

Howard Cook · 1933 · etching in balck on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.1308

The image shows a large, intricate tree with twisted branches and dense foliage. The horizon is low, with mountains in the distance. Textured brushstrokes create depth and detail in the tree and landscape. The color palette is monochromatic, with black, white, and grey gradients. A cloaked figure stands near the tree, adding scale to the scene. Leafy plants frame the foreground.
Howard Cook, George C. Miller, Associated American Artists, Mexican Landscape, 1933 (published 1941), etching and aquatint in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Gift of the Lasky Charitable Lead Trust, 2004), 2015.19.3273

Mexican Landscape

Howard Cook, George C. Miller, Associated American Artists · 1933 (published 1941) · etching and aquatint in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3273

The image shows a large airship labeled "US NAVY" dominating the upper half of the scene. The horizon line is high, with a rugged landscape in the background. The ocean is depicted with bold and dynamic strokes, and there is a ship with a crane to the left. A smaller boat battles the waves nearby. The sky is filled with billowing clouds in a monochromatic color palette of mostly gray tones.
Howard Cook, Los Angeles, 1931, softground etching and aquatint in black, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.1300

Los Angeles

Howard Cook · 1931 · softground etching and aquatint in black ·  Accession ID  2008.115.1300

This is a painting of a ship docked at a harbor with strong contrast and bold lines. The image features a large ship with the name "Bremen" visible on a sign. The design emphasizes sweeping lines and bold contrasts between light and shadow, with a looming structure of the ship dominating the right side of the image. Lifeboats line the deck on the left, curving towards the horizon. The mast and cables add vertical elements to the composition, balancing the horizontal lines of the decks. The sky is depicted with dynamic, swirling patterns of clouds, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere of the scene.
Howard Cook, Bremen #2, 1931, wood engraving in black, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.1302

Bremen #2

Howard Cook · 1931 · wood engraving in black ·  Accession ID  2008.115.1302

The image shows a carousel from a slightly elevated angle with its figures and children riding them. There is no visible horizon, focusing on the carousel and immediate surroundings. The style appears to be fine brushstrokes or etching techniques, giving a detailed and textured appearance. The color palette is monochromatic with black, white, and gray. In the foreground, there is a small dog. Children ride whimsical animals such as swans, horses, and a small car on the carousel. Surrounding the carousel are people walking, trees, and buildings against the sky in the background.
Howard Cook, Merry-Go-Round, 1931, etching in black, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.1305

Merry-Go-Round

Howard Cook · 1931 · etching in black ·  Accession ID  2008.115.1305

The image shows an upward perspective from beneath a bridge, highlighting its support pillar. In the background, there is a small building beneath the bridge's arch. The artwork features expressive brushstrokes emphasizing shadows and light, accentuating the bridge's architecture. The color palette is monochromatic, with deep blacks and stark whites creating contrast. Light and dark are used to guide the viewer's eye throughout the scene, drawing attention to the bridge's presence and a plume of smoke rising beyond.
Howard Cook, Manhattan Bridge, 1931, wood engraving in black on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.1312

Manhattan Bridge

Howard Cook · 1931 · wood engraving in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.1312