%C2%A9 Henry Speller %2F Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York
Cannon, 1986
Henry Spellerexpand_more
Marker, crayon, pencil on paperexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund and gift of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation from the William S. Arnett Collectionexpand_more 2019.16.30
Not on Viewexpand_more
The tall striped hat, cape, and heels of the figure on the left suggest the costume of a drum major (the person who leads a parade). If Henry Speller intended this scene to be a parade, however, it seems an uncertain celebration. The image of a canon often suggests violence and war, but it looks as though the mouth of this one spews confetti rather than a lead ball. The figures’ fixed smiles and wide open eyes make the faces seem more mask-like than human. Perhaps the celebration is a performance, or a sham, as well. Conflict and opposition seem present even in a moment of joy.
Details
- Title
- Cannon
- Artist Life
- 1900 - 1997
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2019.16.30
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
© Henry Speller / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York