%C2%A9 2007 Stacey Davidson
Sometimes a Tender Thing is Just Out of Sight (Knecht Ruprecht), 2007
Stacey Davidsonexpand_more
Gouache on paperexpand_more
Gift of funds from the Print and Drawing Curatorial Councilexpand_more 2007.121
Not on Viewexpand_more
Stacey Davidson creates marvelously expressive figural drawings modeled after character dolls of her own invention that she produces in her studio. She assigns each of her dolls a fictional persona based on gender, physical characteristics, and mode of dress. They serve as characters for her various portraits and narrative scenes, and in life, represent a full spectrum of human personalities.
In Germanic folklore, the scruffy character Knecht Ruprecht is one of several sinister companions to Saint Nicholas (Father Christmas). Traditionally portrayed as a servant, farmhand, or foundling, Ruprecht meted out punishments to misbehaving children that ranged from a lump of coal left in a stocking to beatings, kidnapping, and murder. For Davidson, Ruprecht is primarily menacing, yet capable of moments of tenderness. Here, he carries what appears to be a doll, but the scene is ominous, given our knowledge of Ruprecht's cruel ways.
Details
- Title
- Sometimes a Tender Thing is Just Out of Sight (Knecht Ruprecht)
- Artist Life
- born 1961
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2007.121
- Provenance
- The artist; Marlborough Gallery, New York
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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© 2007 Stacey Davidson