Going Out

William H. Johnson, Going Out, ca. 1939-1942, gouache, pen and ink and pencil on paper, sheet: 15 x 11 ³⁄₈ in. (38.0 x 28.8 cm) irregular, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.1088

Artwork Details

Title: Going Out
Artist: William H. Johnson
Date: ca. 1939-1942
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: sheet: 15 x 11 ³⁄₈ in. (38.0 x 28.8 cm) irregular
Credit Line: Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Mediums: pencil
ink
gouache
Mediums Description: gouache, pen and ink and pencil on paper
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Figure group — female
African American
Object Number: 1967.59.1088
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1967.59.1088

Artwork Description

A mother and daughter, dressed to the nines, are ready for a night on the town, likely in Harlem. The mother is distinguished by her red beret, bright red lipstick, and high-heeled shoes, and the daughter by the bow in her hair, her white dress, and abstracted flowers. Johnson reveals a sense of humor in two flower forms that also suggest lollipops and breasts.

Graphic Masters II: Highlights from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2009