Provenance

Frederick Sommer

Sommer, Frederick Mr.

American, born Italy, 1905 - 1999

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The image shows a person from the shoulders up. The person is in profile, facing slightly downwards. The facial features are blurry, with high cheekbones and a well-defined nose. The hair is dark, smooth, and straight, reaching past the jawline. The clothing is a neutral shade. The background is plain. No jewelry or objects are visible.
Frederick Sommer, Lee Nevin, 1965, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.7

Lee Nevin

Frederick Sommer · 1965 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.7

This is an illustration showing various anatomical and microscopic forms. The image includes detailed scientific-style drawings displaying cross-sections and top views of biological structures. The designs reveal textures and internal formations, resembling a cross-section of a uterus, a sperm cell, follicles, and other cellular components. Each form is isolated and presented on a dark background in a monochromatic color scheme.
Frederick Sommer, Lacryma, 1992, collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic, relief and intaglio prints on heavyweight wove paper, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.40

Lacryma

Frederick Sommer · 1992 · collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic, relief and intaglio prints on heavyweight wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.5.40

The image shows curving and interconnected lines and shapes in orange, blue, and white against a black background. The abstract composition includes arcs and loops. The lines suggest familiar objects such as a skeletal hand, a bird's beak, or musical instruments like a trumpet. Some elements resemble stylized wings or petals of flowers. The artwork's abstract nature invites viewers to connect and interpret the shapes.
Frederick Sommer, Drawing, 1950, tempera on black wove paper, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.52

Drawing

Frederick Sommer · 1950 · tempera on black wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.5.52

The image showcases a collage of overlapping shapes and lines, forming an abstract composition. The shapes within the artwork resemble anatomical structures like bones, muscles, and internal organs, creating a blend of human features. The artwork has layered textures and varied tones against a dark background.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, 1993, collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic prints on heavyweight wove paper, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.41

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · 1993 · collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic prints on heavyweight wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.5.41

The sculpture depicts a combination of a human leg and a bird's foot. It is intricately detailed, showcasing a bent human leg from knee to toe, seamlessly transforming into what resembles a bird’s paw. The color of the sculpture is a monochromatic grey, harmonizing with the similarly toned background. The material appears to be stone or a similar heavy, textured material, giving it a rugged and tactile appearance. The sculpture is laid horizontally on a flat, rough surface that looks like aged wood, offering a neutral background that highlights the shape and contours of the subject in contrast. The composition suggests a fusion of biological forms.
Frederick Sommer, Ondine, 1950, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.16

Ondine

Frederick Sommer · 1950 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.16

The image shows a blurred figure with a large portion of the body visible, including the head, arms, torso, and legs. The person appears to be seated with knees bent and arms possibly resting on or around their legs. The facial features and hair are indistinct due to the blurred effect, making it difficult to discern specific details. There is no clothing or jewelry evident on the figure. The background is neutral and lacks discernible features, contributing to the overall obscured and soft focus of the image.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, 1963, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.26

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · 1963 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.26

The image shows undulating and amorphous shapes forming an abstract composition. These forms merge with the textured background of a vintage-style illustration depicting a wooded setting with a tree trunk and a child peering out from behind a stone bench. The combination of organic and smooth shapes in the foreground with the intricate details of the traditional illustration in the background creates a surreal blend. The child's face stands out amidst the contrasting elements.
Frederick Sommer, Virgin and Child with St. Anne and the Infant St. John, 1966, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.9

Virgin and Child with St. Anne and the Infant St. John

Frederick Sommer · 1966 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.9

This is a photograph of the remains of an animal. The image shows a desolate scene in a natural outdoor setting. The composition focuses on the remains of an animal, characterized by visible bones and patches of decaying flesh intermingled with fur. The ground is rugged and dusty, with small stones and fragments of vegetation. The texture and contrast in the photograph highlight the details and aspects of decay. The scene evokes a somber atmosphere, emphasizing the natural cycle of life and death.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, 1945, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.17

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · 1945 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.17

This is a drawing of a medieval town scene. It shows an illustration filled with figures engaged in various activities, surrounded by towering structures and arches with elaborate detailing. The lines are finely executed, giving depth and texture to the numerous elements present. The scene depicts moments of intensity, with figures holding swords. The drawing is rich with historical elements, hinting at a frozen moment in time, possibly inspired by myth or history.
Frederick Sommer, Dürer Variation, 1966, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.5

Dürer Variation

Frederick Sommer · 1966 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.5

The image shows a collection of abstract shapes and forms on a dark background. A shape resembling an arm and hand with slightly curled fingers is positioned on top. Below, various organic shapes suggest internal organs or bodily structures with textures resembling skin and folds. These include a bulbous sack-like form and a curved tube-like structure with a cracked surface. The composition merges familiar anatomical features with surreal elements, creating an intriguing collage.
Frederick Sommer, The Miser, 1991, collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic prints on heavyweight wove paper, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.42

The Miser

Frederick Sommer · 1991 · collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic prints on heavyweight wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.5.42