Classical Study No. 34

Eldzier Cortor, Classical Study No. 34, 1968, oil on canvas, 14 x 18 in. (35.6 x 45.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist in memory of Sophia Cortor, 2012.72.10, © 1968, Eldzier Cortor

Artwork Details

Title: Classical Study No. 34
Artist: Eldzier Cortor
Date: 1968
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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36B
Dimensions: 14 x 18 in. (35.6 x 45.7 cm)
Copyright: © 1968, Eldzier Cortor
Credit Line: Gift of the artist in memory of Sophia Cortor
Mediums Description: oil on canvas
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Figure female
Object Number: 2012.72.10
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2012.72.10

Artwork Description

Influenced by African art and European modernism, Eldzier Cortor created a series of paintings featuring African American women. Classical Study No. 34 depicts a woman in profile resting on her hand. Her elongated facial features and fingers are reminiscent of Cortor’s other figural works. The woman’s red, yellow, and green scarf, among the colors of the Pan-African flag, recalls her African heritage. In titling the painting Classical Study, Cortor placed the female black archetype alongside that of ancient marble sculptures.