Frank A. Nankivell

American, born Australia, 1869 - 1959

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The image shows a bird's-eye view of an urban landscape with numerous towering skyscrapers. The buildings dominate the scene, stretching upward and forming a dense cluster of architecture. The etching features cross-hatching and line work, creating a detailed and textured surface that conveys depth and dimension. The color palette is monochromatic, using shades of black, gray, and white to emphasize contrast and light. The streets appear to form a broad plaza or open space leading the viewer's eye into the city. The scene gives an impression of compact and organized chaos with the buildings receding into the distance and blending together into a mass of architectural detail in the background.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Myself, 1942, etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.13

Myself

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.13

This is a drawing of a train under a network of metal beams and structures, resembling an urban subway or railway system. The image shows a perspective view looking up and along the tracks, featuring layers of girders, trusses, and bridges creating a pattern of lines and shadows. The structural elements dominate the upper portion of the drawing with their angled lines, while the train below moves along curving tracks. The monochromatic nature of the drawing adds to the industrial atmosphere and emphasizes the texture and detail of the metal structures.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Elevated, 1942, etching with aquatint on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.8

Elevated

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.8

This is a drawing of a figure wrapped in a cloak, sitting with a tall structure in the background. The image depicts a minimalist scene against a plain, textured backdrop. The focus is on the cloaked figure, emphasized by dark shading. The figure is seated on the ground, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and entirely wrapped in the cloak. Behind the figure, there is an outline of a tall structure, possibly a column or statue on a pedestal, sketched faintly to suggest distance or scale. The drawing presents a serene and thoughtful ambiance.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Vision of Manhattan (cover), 1942, black and brown ink printed on linen-lined portfolio cover, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.1

Vision of Manhattan (cover)

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · black and brown ink printed on linen-lined portfolio cover ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.1

The image shows an etching of a densely packed cityscape viewed from a slightly elevated point. A fantastical creature fills the sky above the horizon line. Closest to us are tightly clustered buildings of various shapes and sizes, depicted with angular lines. In the distance, the buildings become more abstract. The color palette is monochromatic with shades of gray and black. The sky is rendered with fluid brushstrokes, contrasting with the rigid cityscape below.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Portent, 1942, etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.10

Portent

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.10

This is a drawing of a landscape with mythical creatures. The image displays mythical beasts with wings and elaborate headdresses in the foreground. They appear to be engaged in dynamic poses facing towards a distant city silhouette. Above them, another creature is flying towards the city skyline. The composition is monochromatic and textured, blending elements of fantasy and surrealism.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, New Babylon, 1942, etching with aquatint on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.3

New Babylon

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.3

The image depicts an urban landscape with skyscrapers, likely representing Manhattan. The viewpoint is elevated, showing a densely packed cityscape with buildings stretching into the distance. The scene is characterized by intricate line work, creating a textural depth. The color palette is monochrome, emphasizing architectural details and light/shadow interplay. Buildings and streets form a complex pattern leading to tall towers in the distance, set against a cloudy sky.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Towers, 1942, etching on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.4

Towers

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.4

This image depicts sharp, angular lines and geometric shapes forming building outlines. Some of the forms resemble city buildings. Swirling shapes resembling clouds or figures are interspersed between the buildings. The composition creates a dreamlike and surreal scene, connecting architectural forms with abstract figures.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Wall Street, 1942, etching with aquatint on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.5

Wall Street

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.5

The image shows a scene of horsemen charging towards the viewer on a suspension bridge. The bridge's path leads the eye forward, while architectural elements frame the scene. The brushstrokes create texture and shading with a monochromatic color palette of black and gray. A full moon is visible in the upper left of the sky, casting a dim light on the setting.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Bridge, 1942, etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.9

Bridge

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.9

The image shows a series of angular and linear forms converging into a dense, textured pattern. It creates a sense of depth and structure. The artwork is abstract and evokes an urban environment, with shapes resembling tall buildings with small windows stacked in a grid-like fashion. In the foreground, there is an elongated, serpentine line winding through the composition. The intricate cross-hatching and shading enhance the abstract complexity of the piece.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Backyard, 1942, etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.7

Backyard

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint and roulette on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.7

The image shows the interior of an underground tunnel curving gently to the right. A dog is standing on the left side of the pathway, facing towards the bend of the tunnel. The composition focuses on the tunnel without showing an apparent end. The illustration uses intricate, cross-hatched lines and fine etching to convey texture and depth. The color scheme is monochromatic, with shades of black, white, and grey. A railing structure on the right side leads the eye along the curve into the dimly lit space ahead. Light appears to come from around the bend, illuminating the pathway and casting soft shadows on the walls and ceiling.
Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell, Emptiness, 1942, etching with aquatint on wove paper, Gift of Ingrid Rose in memory of her husband Milton Rose, 2018.37.12.6

Emptiness

Gustav Wolf, Frank A. Nankivell · 1942 · etching with aquatint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.37.12.6