Abstraction

Stuart Davis, Abstraction, 1937, watercolor and gouache on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1972.81
Stuart Davis, Abstraction, 1937, watercolor and gouache on paper, sheet: 17 7823 38 in. (45.459.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1972.81

Artwork Details

Title
Abstraction
Artist
Date
1937
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 17 7823 38 in. (45.459.4 cm)
Credit Line
Transfer from the General Services Administration
Mediums Description
watercolor and gouache on paper
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1972.81

Artwork Description

Davis’s abstract compositions contain many references to his experiences and observations. He said, “Some of the things which have made me want to paint, outside of other paintings, are: American wood and iron work of the past; Civil War and skyscraper architecture; the brilliant colors on gasoline stations, chain-store fronts and taxicabs; the music of Bach; synthetic chemistry; the poetry of Rimbaud; fast travel by train, auto and airplane which brought new and multiple perspectives; electric signs; the landscape and boats of Gloucester, Mass.; five-and-ten-cent-store kitchen utensils; movies and radio’ Earl Hines’ hot piano and Negro jazz music in general.”

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

Works by this artist (1036 items)

William H. Johnson, Young Pastry Cook, ca. 1928-1930, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.693
Young Pastry Cook
Dateca. 1928-1930
oil on canvas
On view
William H. Johnson, Portrait of a Man, ca. 1935-1938, oil on burlap, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.814
Portrait of a Man
Dateca. 1935-1938
oil on burlap
On view
William H. Johnson, Breakdown with Flat Tire, ca. 1940-1941, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.587
Breakdown with Flat Tire
Dateca. 1940-1941
oil on plywood
On view
William H. Johnson, For India and China, ca. 1944-1945, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.662
For India and China
Dateca. 1944-1945
oil on paperboard
On view