W. W. Swallow, Amish Family, 1930s-1940s, terra cotta on wood base, 16 1⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 x 11 1⁄4 in. (41.4 x 31.2 x 28.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of International Business Machines Corporation, 1966.27.9
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Amish Family
- Artist
- Date
- 1930s-1940s
- Location
- Dimensions
- 16 1⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 x 11 1⁄4 in. (41.4 x 31.2 x 28.7 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of International Business Machines Corporation
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- terra cotta on wood base
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Figure group — family
- Object Number
- 1966.27.9
Artwork Description
William W. Swallow created many sculptures of Amish people and their traditions, using unglazed terra-cotta and minimal forms to reflect the simple nature of Amish life. In this piece Swallow created a sense of closeness within the family by molding the figures from a single block. He considered all angles of the sculpture, and decorated the back of the piece with a tree and birds to suggest a rural lifestyle.