A Girl and a Bird

Accession Number
2015/2.45

Title
A Girl and a Bird

Artist(s)
Richard Wilt

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1957

Medium & Support
ink on paper

Dimensions
18 in x 24 in (45.72 cm x 60.96 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of the Estate of James van Sweden

Subject matter
With traces of the abstract-figuration in American art of the 1930s, Wilt is known for taking elements of these styles and pushing the boundaries of figurative art. Created while a Professor of Art at the University of Michigan, this work shows one of his many artistic subjects. Beyond portraits, the well-traveled artist painted landscapes, scenes of social commentary, religious images, and even documented the early years of the Chinese revolution. All these themes are depicted with a focus on clean lines and an interest in forming figures with the use of abstract shapes. Here, the texture in the girl's hair is mimicked below, but this time as the shadow cast by the girl's arm—both resemble the linear quality of Japanese woodblock prints. 

Physical Description
This drawing shows a girl holding a bird close up to her face. She is depicted from the side. The artist signed and dated the work in pencil (l.l.) "Richard Wilt 1957".

Primary Object Classification
Drawing

Primary Object Type
life drawing

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
birds (motifs)
figures (representations)
girls
professors (teachers)

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& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved