1980.4
To God, A Drawing
1911 – 1921 (Date created)
Ink
Linocut
Prints
5.4331 in W
x
7.0079 in H
(Paper)
214 mm W x 310 mm H (Paper)
214 mm W x 310 mm H (Paper)
American
Ed. unknown , as published in "Playboy: A Journal of Art & Satire", unsigned but annotated in letterpress at bottom of sheet, on thin cream wove japan paper.
Termed a "romantic realist," Rockwell Kent expressed himself frequently through the woodcut medium. In his long career, his style evolved little but remained distinctive due to its "stark composition, strong gesture, movement of lines, characteristic play of light and dark, and the highlighting of the dramatic elements." His concern for the working man and strong faith in God were then featured through this unique style.
Bold linear form defines Rockwell Kent's portrayal of the figure. His use of light is unique in that, rather than illuminating these forms, it obscures them. Indeed the foreground figure is thrown into shadow by the hidden frontal light source. Similarly the three figures in the boat are undefined and anonymous. Thus the figures of Kent serve primarily not as studies of individuals but as exercises in line and form. Echoing this emphasis, the composition overall is a harmony of form executed through line. The work is a balance of the dominant vertical foreground figure and his repeated background verticals. These lines then balance the horizontals of the boatmen and the water plane. Thus the foreground figure is framed by the horizontal boatmen and similarly he compliments them.
Bold linear form defines Rockwell Kent's portrayal of the figure. His use of light is unique in that, rather than illuminating these forms, it obscures them. Indeed the foreground figure is thrown into shadow by the hidden frontal light source. Similarly the three figures in the boat are undefined and anonymous. Thus the figures of Kent serve primarily not as studies of individuals but as exercises in line and form. Echoing this emphasis, the composition overall is a harmony of form executed through line. The work is a balance of the dominant vertical foreground figure and his repeated background verticals. These lines then balance the horizontals of the boatmen and the water plane. Thus the foreground figure is framed by the horizontal boatmen and similarly he compliments them.
In Collection
Anonymous gift
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