view in rounded opening through dense foliage, vines, tree trunks of figures with guns walking and on horseback, with an orange light around them and light partial silhouettes of trees behind them

%C2%A9 Estate Ernest W. Watson

The Explorers, c. 1930

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Color linocutexpand_more

Gift of Marla J. Kinneyexpand_more  2017.126.13

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Ernest Watson spent his career exploring the limits of linoleum. In this strange scene he takes advantage of the medium’s best attributes: its glass-smooth surface, which allowed for application of even color; and its soft composition, which allowed for crisply detailed carving. In the distance, the expedition trudges beneath a seamless molten sky pierced with ghostly limbs. In the foreground all is decay. Could Watson have been looking at mummies and zombies for inspiration' It’s not clear where the explorers are heading, but there appears to be hardship ahead whether they come through the opening or stay where they are.

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Details
Title
The Explorers
Artist Life
1884–1969
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2017.126.13
Provenance
Swann Auction, New York, lot 121, March 7, 2002, sold to Clemens; (Thomas J. Clemens, Boston, Mass., 2002-2017, sold to Kinney); Marla J. Kinney, Minneapolis
Curator Approved

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view in rounded opening through dense foliage, vines, tree trunks of figures with guns walking and on horseback, with an orange light around them and light partial silhouettes of trees behind them

© Estate Ernest W. Watson

Because of © restrictions, we can only show you a small image of this artwork.