%C2%A9 Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York %2F Pro Litteris%2C Zurich
Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, 1949
Oskar Kokoschkaexpand_more
Colored pencil on cream paperexpand_more
Gift of Russell Cowles in memory of his parents John and Elizabeth Cowlesexpand_more 2013.48
Not on Viewexpand_more
One of Austria’s leading exponents of Expressionism, Oskar Kokoschka was a prolific draftsman and printmaker whose vigorous drawing technique reinforces the emotional aspects of his subjects. Kokoschka considered sketching and drawing elemental to his expression, filling countless sketchbooks with rapidly executed depictions. Despite its modest scale, this lively colored pencil drawing exemplifies the immediacy and vitality of his graphic technique. Kokoschka’s fluid, gestural line captures fleeting impressions of form, color, and light, conveying a highly personal interpretation of two of Rome’s most famous antique monuments, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Probably drawn from direct observation, this drawing is a souvenir of Kokoschka’s 1949 visit to the Italian capital. He later inscribed it with a personal dedication and gave it to a young Minneapolis friend of his, Russell Cowles.
Details
- Title
- Colosseum and Arch of Constantine
- Artist Life
- 1886–1980
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.48
- Provenance
- The artist, gave to Cowles; Russell Cowles, Minneapolis, 1949-2013; gave to MIA
- 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
© Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / Pro Litteris, Zurich