Picturing America

Pitcher

Artist Unknown (United States) — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:46:27 -0400

Title	Pitcher
Artist	Artist Unknown (United States)
Date
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G259

black and white geometric patterning overall; one handle

Bowl

Artist Unknown (United States) — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:21:31 -0400

Title	Bowl
Artist	Artist Unknown (United States)
Date	c. 1450
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Tan/yellow shallow bowl with black/brown detailing, object has clearly been broken and repaired

Vessel

Maria Martinez ; Julian Martinez — Fri, 01 Jun 1900 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Vessel
Artist	Maria Martinez ; Julian Martinez
Date	early 20th century
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G259

bowl, ceramic-blackware, American Indian (Martinez); bowl, clay, polished blackware, avanyu or water serpent pattern

Vessel, San Ildefonso Pueblo

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Vessel, San Ildefonso Pueblo
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2008
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

30-90 second Quick Stop Audio Tour Commentary

Basket

Artist Unknown (United States) — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:21:36 -0400

Title	Basket
Artist	Artist Unknown (United States)
Date
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Figures

Artist Unknown (Inuit) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 02:03:14 -0400

Title	Figures
Artist	Artist Unknown (Inuit)
Date	before 1500
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

oval open box, base of wood, sides of bark (?)

Inuit Figures: Teaching the Arts

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Inuit Figures: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	April 2007
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/objectinfocus.cfm?v=96

Learn about the animals of the Arctic.

Surrounded by Beauty

Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Surrounded by Beauty
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2002
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://www.artsmia.org/surrounded-by-beauty/

There is no equivalent in the many Native American languages for the word art. Yet the objects here suggest that Native Americans are a highly spiritual people who create objects of extraordinary beauty. In Native American thought there is also no distinction between what is beautiful or functional, and what is sacred or secular. Design goes far beyond concerns of function, and beauty is much more than simple appearances. For many native peoples, beauty arises from living in harmony with the order of the universe.The concerns and aspirations of a vital contemporary American Indian population changes as the world changes. Today some Native American artists continue traditions of their ancestors, while others transform those traditions in new and innovative ways.

Teapot, from a tea service

Paul Revere, Jr. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:01:42 -0400

Title	Teapot, from a tea service
Artist	Paul Revere, Jr.
Date	1792
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Coin silver tea service, Federal Style, consisting of teapot and lid, stand for teapot, tea caddy with hinged lid, fitted with lock and key, stand for teacaddy, covered sugar urn, cream pitcher, shell-shaped tea scoop, tea or punch strainer, pair of sugar tongs with shell-shaped ends; fluted design with engraved and pricked swags and medallions containing the monogram of John and Mehitable Templeman and all bearing Revere hall mark; teaspoons

Teapot, from a tea service

Paul Revere, Jr. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:01:42 -0400

Title	Teapot, from a tea service
Artist	Paul Revere, Jr.
Date	1792
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Paul Revere Tea Service: Teaching the Arts

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Paul Revere Tea Service: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	February 2007
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/objectinfocus.cfm?v=85

Discover the artistry of a famous patriot.

Teapot from the "Diament" tea service

Jean G. Theobald ; Wilcox Silverplate Company — Fri, 01 Jun 1928 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Teapot from the "Diament" tea service
Artist	Jean G. Theobald ; Wilcox Silverplate Company
Date	1928
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Geometric form with Bakelite handles; set fits together on tray

Teapot, from a tea service

Paul Revere, Jr. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:01:42 -0400

Title	Teapot, from a tea service
Artist	Paul Revere, Jr.
Date	1792
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Teapot from the "Diament" tea service

Jean G. Theobald ; Wilcox Silverplate Company — Fri, 01 Jun 1928 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Teapot from the "Diament" tea service
Artist	Jean G. Theobald ; Wilcox Silverplate Company
Date	1928
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Geometric form with Bakelite handles; set fits together on tray

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Thomas Sully — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:02:09 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)
Artist	Thomas Sully
Date	c. 1820
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G332

Portrait. George Washington in red drapery, black costume with white frills.

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Thomas Sully — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:02:09 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)
Artist	Thomas Sully
Date	c. 1820
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G332

Portrait. George Washington in red drapery, black costume with white frills.

Portrait of George Washington by Thomas Sully

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington by Thomas Sully
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2008
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The painting, Portrait of George Washington, and the artist Thomas Sully are discussed on this audio tour stop.

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Thomas Sully — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:02:09 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)
Artist	Thomas Sully
Date	c. 1820
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G332

Portrait. George Washington in red drapery, black costume with white frills.

Portrait of George Washington (1732-1799) by Thomas Sully

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington (1732-1799) by Thomas Sully
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2008
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The painting, Portrait of George Washington, and the artist Thomas Sully are discussed on this audio tour stop.

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Thomas Sully — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:02:09 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)
Artist	Thomas Sully
Date	c. 1820
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G332

Portrait. George Washington in red drapery, black costume with white frills.

Portrait of George Washington: Teaching the Arts

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Portrait of George Washington: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	September 2003
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/objectinfocus.cfm?v=1

Meet George Washington–general, president, and symbol of a nation. Spanish translation available under "Related Activities" inside this issue.

Bust of George Washington

Hiram Powers — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 02:01:30 -0500

Title	Bust of George Washington
Artist	Hiram Powers
Date	c. 1853
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G322

Based on the original sculpture in 1785 by Jean-Antoine-Houdon. Shoulders draped with classical toga; circular pedestal base.

Landscape

Thomas Cole — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:23:21 -0500

Title	Landscape
Artist	Thomas Cole
Date	1825
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Landscape.

Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes)

Newell Convers Wyeth — Fri, 01 Jun 1906 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes)
Artist	Newell Convers Wyeth
Date	1906
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Genre.

Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes) by Newell Convers Wyeth

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes) by Newell Convers Wyeth
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2008
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The painting, Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes), and the artist Newell Convers Wyeth are discussed on this audio tour stop.

Field Bunting

John James Audubon ; Col. J. T. Bowen ; Col. J. T. Bowen — Fri, 31 May 2013 02:05:19 -0400

Title	Field Bunting
Artist	John James Audubon ; Col. J. T. Bowen ; Col. J. T. Bowen
Date	1827-1838
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

no. 33. pl. 164

Buffalo Hunt, Under the White Wolf Skin

George Catlin — Fri, 31 May 2013 02:08:47 -0400

Title	Buffalo Hunt, Under the White Wolf Skin
Artist	George Catlin
Date	1844
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Landscape

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:58:53 -0500

Title	Landscape
Author	Christine McKigney

Winter Count

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:58:53 -0500

Title	Winter Count
Author	Christine McKigney

American Scenes: Teaching the Arts

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Title	American Scenes: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	December 2005
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/fivefacts.cfm?v=51

Explore the diverse American landscape through the experiences of five artists.

Lakota Winter Count: Teaching the Arts

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Lakota Winter Count: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	November 2005
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/objectinfocus.cfm?v=48

Pictures held the key to history for the Lakota people of the Great Plains.

The Conch Divers

Winslow Homer — Wed, 29 May 2013 03:30:41 -0400

Title	The Conch Divers
Artist	Winslow Homer
Date	1885
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Reminiscences of 1865

John Frederick Peto — Sat, 01 Jun 1901 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Reminiscences of 1865
Artist	John Frederick Peto
Date	after 1900
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G323

Still life.Trompe l'oeil door, with ephemera tacked to the green door, including image of Abraham Lincoln, money, clippings, and labels. '1809', '1865' and 'ABE' are "carved" into the door.

Reminiscences of 1865 by John Frederick Peto

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Reminiscences of 1865 by John Frederick Peto
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2008
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The painting, Reminiscences of 1865, the effects of the Civil War, and the artist John Frederick Peto are discussed on this audio tour stop.

Album Quilt

Artist Unknown (United States) — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:09:14 -0400

Title	Album Quilt
Artist	Artist Unknown (United States)
Date	2nd quarter of the 19th Century
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Album Quilt: Teaching the Arts

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Album Quilt: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	January 2009
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/objectinfocus.cfm?v=150

Special stitches and symbolic images tie this quilt together.

Album Quilt

Artist Unknown (United States) — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:09:14 -0400

Title	Album Quilt
Artist	Artist Unknown (United States)
Date	2nd quarter of the 19th Century
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Crazy Quilt

Florence Barton Loring — Thu, 01 Jun 1905 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Crazy Quilt
Artist	Florence Barton Loring
Date	1905
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Loring Crazy Quilt (stored in box), silk, American XIXc dimensions L 77 x W 65-3/4'

Annisquam, Massachusetts

Martha Hale Harvey — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:07:18 -0400

Title	Annisquam, Massachusetts
Artist	Martha Hale Harvey
Date	1897
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

8 boats on calm water with 3 buildings and small dock on bank at R; rocky beach in background at L

Armchair

Sat, 01 Jun 1901 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Armchair
Artist	John S. Bradstreet ; John S. Bradstreet and Company ; Tiffany Studios (glass shades, fireplace tiles)
Date	c. 1906
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G320

American Period Rooms: Teaching the Arts

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Title	American Period Rooms: Teaching the Arts
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	February 2005
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	http://artsmia.org/education/teacher-resources/fivefacts.cfm?v=30

Recreations of historical rooms offer a glimpse into the lives of five American families.

Subway Portrait

Walker Evans — Wed, 01 Jun 1938 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Subway Portrait
Artist	Walker Evans
Date	1938-1941
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

woman with child

American Flags, Freed Iranian Hostage Celebration, New York City, January 30, 1981

Thomas F. Arndt — Mon, 01 Jun 1981 00:00:00 -0400

Title	American Flags, Freed Iranian Hostage Celebration, New York City, January 30, 1981
Artist	Thomas F. Arndt
Date	1981
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Brooklyn Bridge

Walker Evans — Sat, 01 Jun 1929 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Brooklyn Bridge
Artist	Walker Evans
Date	1929
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

"Mandarin" (Lotus Leaf) lamp

Louis Comfort Tiffany ; Tiffany Studios — Wed, 29 May 2013 06:28:29 -0400

Title	"Mandarin" (Lotus Leaf) lamp
Artist	Louis Comfort Tiffany ; Tiffany Studios
Date	c. 1900-1905
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G320

executed in shades of green and white mottled and striated stained glass panels set within a ribbed pattern; base formed in a tall, elongated root-style with a double-folded ribbed platform

The Barefooted Child

Mary Cassatt — Fri, 31 May 2013 02:03:56 -0400

Title	The Barefooted Child
Artist	Mary Cassatt
Date	c. 1896-1897
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

American Landscape

Joseph Stella — Sat, 01 Jun 1929 00:00:00 -0400

Title	American Landscape
Artist	Joseph Stella
Date	1929
Institution	Walker Art Center
Location	Not on view.

Stylized portrait of Brooklyn Bridge and city, in background

Mighty Manhattan

Charles B. Phelps, Jr. — Sat, 01 Jun 1935 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Mighty Manhattan
Artist	Charles B. Phelps, Jr.
Date	c. 1940
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

previously listed as a chloro-bromide print

Double House, Gloucester

Edward Hopper — Tue, 01 Jun 1920 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Double House, Gloucester
Artist	Edward Hopper
Date	c. 1923
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Hallway

Frank Lloyd Wright ; Temple Art Glass Company — Sat, 01 Jun 1907 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Hallway
Artist	Frank Lloyd Wright ; Temple Art Glass Company
Date	c. 1912-1914
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G300

Table, from a dining set

Frank Lloyd Wright ; Matthews Brothers Furniture Company — Wed, 01 Jun 1904 00:00:00 -0500

Title	Table, from a dining set
Artist	Frank Lloyd Wright ; Matthews Brothers Furniture Company
Date	1904
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G300

Four heavy octagonal legs with casters; legs on short sides connected by a screen of four-sided spindles; long octagonal spindles connect screens

Shooting Gallery

Jacob Lawrence — Sat, 01 Jun 1946 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Shooting Gallery
Artist	Jacob Lawrence
Date	1946
Institution	Walker Art Center
Location	Not on view.

Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California

Dorothea Lange — Mon, 01 Jun 1936 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California
Artist	Dorothea Lange
Date	1936
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G364

vintage print; printed 1940 or before; mounted, matted

Allie Mae Burroughs, Wife of a Cotton Sharecropper, Hale County, Alabama

Walker Evans — Mon, 01 Jun 1936 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Allie Mae Burroughs, Wife of a Cotton Sharecropper, Hale County, Alabama
Artist	Walker Evans
Date	1936
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Roadside Store, Vicinity Selma, Alabama

Walker Evans — Sat, 01 Jun 1935 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Roadside Store, Vicinity Selma, Alabama
Artist	Walker Evans
Date	1935
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

(FSA 207)

Billboard

Grace Hartigan — Sat, 01 Jun 1957 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Billboard
Artist	Grace Hartigan
Date	1957
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G375

Abstraction.

Billboard by Grace Hartigan

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Billboard by Grace Hartigan
Creator	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	2008
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

30-90 second Quick Stop Audio Tour Commentary

Pleas and Thank Yous: 100 True Stories

Gwendolyn Knight — Sat, 01 Jun 1991 00:00:00 -0400

Title	Pleas and Thank Yous: 100 True Stories
Artist	Gwendolyn Knight
Date	1991
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	Not on view.

Genre. Figural. African American.

: Lives Connected: Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight

Mon, 01 Jun 1998 00:00:00 -0400

Title	: Lives Connected: Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight
Author	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date	1998
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts

In his Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman series of narrative paintings, Jacob Lawrence depicts the struggles and triumphs of two of the major figures in the antislavery movement. These two series, completed between 1938 and 1940, are the most closely related in both subject matter and style of Lawrence's career. Together they constitute a stunning and thought-provoking exhibition. After researching the lives of Douglass and Tubman, Lawrence believed that no one painting could tell their stories, so he painted over 30 panels for each series. Lawrence also wrote a caption for each painting, which corresponds to an event in the lives of the heroes.

"Lives Connected: Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight" combines an already existing exhibition of Jacob Lawrence's narrative series organized by the Hampton University Museum, Hampton, Virginia, with a new, Institute organized exhibition of nearly 30 works by Gwendolyn Knight, Lawrence's wife and partner of 56 years. Institute director and CEO Evan M. Maurer recognized in the artistic partnership of Lawrence and Knight a parallel to the shared crusade of Douglass and Tubman. Maurer presented the concept for this exhibition to his friends, the Lawrences. Though they have worked side by side as artists, it is only recently that Knight has received critical attention, and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to bring their work to the public as a single presentation. "The Lawrences began their partnership in life and art almost 60 years ago," Maurer explained. "By bringing their work to the public as a single presentation we complete the circle."

The couple first became friends in Harlem in the 1930s. Despite the Depression, Harlem still retained elements of its remarkable Renaissance of the 1920s, and literature, music, theater, and the visual arts continued to flourish. The couple both worked on the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project in Harlem. Artists employed by the project would gather at Charles Alston's studio at 306 West 141 Street, and it was there that Knight and Lawrence mingled with Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, Alain Locke, Countee Cullen, Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Billie Holiday, Romare Beardon and other artists, performers, writers, and musicians. Knight painted murals for the children's ward of the Harlem hospital, while Lawrence worked on the Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman series.

Their friendship evolved, and Lawrence and Knight married on July 24, 1941. The following November, Jacob's 60-panel series, Migration of the Negro, was exhibited at New York's prestigious Downtown Gallery to critical acclaim. At age 24, Lawrence became the first African American to be represented by a New York gallery. When the series sold, he also became the first African American whose work was included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Although Knight didn't receive the same recognition and affirmation, she nonetheless continued to pursue her art.

Soon after the attack at Pearl Harbor, Lawrence was drafted into the U.S. Coast Guard. During his 26 month absence, Knight continued to paint and also to study with the New Dance Group under Jane Dudley and Sophie Maslow, two of Martha Graham's star pupils. After Lawrence's discharge in 1945, he was invited to teach at Black Mountain College in North Carolina; his successful teaching career continued at Pratt Institute, Brandeis University, the Art Students League, and The New School for Social Research, where Knight painted with Anthony Toney. In 1971, the couple moved from New York to Seattle, where Lawrence began teaching at the University of Washington; he currently is professor emeritus there. Only after moving to the West Coast did Knight have her first solo show—at age 63.

Instead of competing with each other, Lawrence and Knight have always been mutually supportive and encouraging. Their quite different artistic temperaments may be the key to their longevity as a creative couple. Knight appears to favor a fluid line and to concentrate on the subtleties of color and light to produce her lyrical, seemingly spontaneous art. She often works on the same paintings for years, and loves the accidental and unpredictable effects of the monoprint. By contrast, Lawrence's style—sometimes called collage cubism—is characterized by simplified, flat forms of vivid color within controlled outlines, and his technique is the antithesis of spontaneous.

For the 32 paintings of the Frederick Douglass series and the 31 paintings of the Harriet Tubman series, Lawrence painstakingly coated each 12 X 17 7/8-inch hardboard panel with gesso to achieve a fresco-like surface. Next, he penciled the designs on all the panels and lined them up against his studio wall to study the overall effect. When he began to paint, he used a limited palette of red, blue, green, yellow, tan, brown, black, and white, working with one color at a time, he applied it to all the panels before moving on to the next color. He believed this helped to keep the values and intensities of the colors consistent throughout the series and also united the separate panels to form a single work of art. Lawrence still uses this method today.

The subject matter of the two artists also reflects their differences. Lawrence "tells stories," primarily of African-American history and social justice. He chose the subjects of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman because he believed that these were great heroes who should be included in American history. He also felt that by bringing these historical figures into the present, contemporary African Americans would be inspired and find the courage to overcome their own hardships.

Knight, on the other hand, finds her motifs in the people and experiences of her life. For example, her love of modern dance influences her work: "Dance is the way I draw, the way I work. I'm interested in gesture." In 1994 at the age of 81, she mastered a new medium, creating a series of monoprints. Although she has traditionally worked from the model, she proved herself flexible and open to new experiences when she elected to draw the images for the monoprints from her memory.

Superficially, the connection between these two artists isn't apparent. Jacob Lawrence acknowledged a stronger bond when he said, "A layman looking at our work would not think that mine looked like Gwen's or that Gwen's looked like mine. Our influence on each other is much more dimensional and much more profound than that." Through their long and productive friendship and marriage Knight and Lawrence have provided each other with unwavering support. Although distinctly different in temperament and style, the couple has enjoyed a long and vital relationship in which creativity and expression have flourished, enriching both their lives and their art and providing all of us with both visual treasures and human inspiration.

Lisa Dickinson Michaux is the John E. Andrus III Curatorial Assistant in the department of prints & drawings and co-curator of the exhibit along with Evan M. Maurer.

Related Images

Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight, 1993
Photo by Spike Mafford

Jacob Lawrence
Frederick Douglass series, no. 4
Tempera on hardboard
Hampton University Museum, Hampton, Virginia

Gwendolyn Knight
Diva, 1994
Color screenprint
Courtesy of Francine Seders Gallery

Gwendolyn Knight
Portrait of the Artist, about 1968-91
Oil on canvas
Collection of Marshall and Helen Hatch

Jacob Lawrence
Frederick Douglass series, no. 21
Tempera on hardboard
Hampton University Museum, Hampton, Virginia

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:58:54 -0500

Title
Author	Christine McKigney

Picturing America

Pitcher

Pitcher

Bowl

Bowl

c. 1450

Vessel

Vessel

early 20th century

Vessel, San Ildefonso Pueblo

Vessel, San Ildefonso Pueblo

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2008

Basket

Basket

Figures

Figures

before 1500

Inuit Figures: Teaching the Arts

Inuit Figures: Teaching the Arts

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

April 2007

Surrounded by Beauty

Surrounded by Beauty

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2002

Teapot, from a tea service

Teapot, from a tea service

1792

Teapot, from a tea service

Teapot, from a tea service

1792

Paul Revere Tea Service: Teaching the Arts

Paul Revere Tea Service: Teaching the Arts

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

February 2007

Teapot from the "Diament" tea service

Teapot from the "Diament" tea service

1928

Teapot, from a tea service

Teapot, from a tea service

1792

Teapot from the "Diament" tea service

Teapot from the "Diament" tea service

1928

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

c. 1820

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

c. 1820

Portrait of George Washington by Thomas Sully

Portrait of George Washington by Thomas Sully

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2008

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

c. 1820

Portrait of George Washington (1732-1799) by Thomas Sully

Portrait of George Washington (1732-1799) by Thomas Sully

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2008

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

Portrait of George Washington (1732–1799)

c. 1820

Portrait of George Washington: Teaching the Arts

Portrait of George Washington: Teaching the Arts

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

September 2003

Bust of George Washington

Bust of George Washington

c. 1853

Landscape

Landscape

1825

Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes)

Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes)

1906

Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes) by Newell Convers Wyeth

Rural Delivery (Where the Mail Goes, 'Cream of Wheat' Goes) by Newell Convers Wyeth