Deserted Landscape

Malcolm Roberts, Deserted Landscape, 1937, tempera on fiberboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from General Services Administration, 1971.447.77
Malcolm Roberts, Deserted Landscape, 1937, tempera on fiberboard, 2430 in. (61.076.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from General Services Administration, 1971.447.77

Artwork Details

Title
Deserted Landscape
Date
1937
Dimensions
2430 in. (61.076.2 cm)
Credit Line
Transfer from General Services Administration
Mediums
Mediums Description
tempera on fiberboard
Classifications
Subjects
  • New Deal — Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project — Washington State
  • Landscape — plain
Object Number
1971.447.77

Artwork Description

Malcolm Roberts painted several landscapes inspired by discarded objects washed up on Seattle’s beaches. Here, a piece of driftwood shaped like a woman’s pelvis balances delicately on a pedestal like a valuable piece of sculpture. In the background, looming constructions rise up from the sand and a rocking chair sits in the dim moonlight, as if somebody has just left the scene. Roberts placed apparently random objects together against a dark sky to evoke the immediate aftermath of some unknown, sinister event.

Works by this artist (2 items)

Frank Patania, Symmetry, ca. 1960s, sterling silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist in memory of Frank Patania, Sr., 2000.100.2B
Symmetry
Dateca. 1960s
sterling silver
Not on view
Frank Patania, Asymmetry Bracelet, ca. 1960, fabricated sterling silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Patania Family, 2000.100.2A
Asymmetry Bracelet
Dateca. 1960
fabricated sterling silver
Not on view

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