The Woodshed, Andrew Wyeth

  Andrew Wyeth's work can be controversial.  Some consider him a complete realist, others a romantic, and often, a man creating a statement of continuity in an changing world.  Like him or hate him, today's image certainly evokes feelings from all of us.
   Here we have dead crows, bright sun we do not see, a spare landscape and portrayed in an almost monochromatic arrangement.   Titled, The Woodshed, it is a tempera work done in 1945, measuring 33" x 56".   I have not been able to determine the owners of the work, but my reference book credits Mr. & Mrs. C. Porter Schutt, so it is possible it is still in their private collection.
   I find the date interesting. World War II is just ending.  I am not sure we can connect the two however, it is remarkable - two dead crows, two defeated nations.
  Wyeth has a talent for striking compositions, this being a perfect example.  Often, close up,  corners appear as abstract arrangements, but as the viewer pulls back, a realist image comes into view.  Examine the lower left corner, and allow most of the crow and its shadow to become one - an amazing design.
   In this work, the crows and their shadows are framed by shadows of the shed and the board lines are a rhythm pattern moving our eye across the work. The rectangle of the hill brings in color and balances the whole left side. The starkness of the land does not detract but heightens the drama created by the death of the crows.  This is not a land in bloom, it is not late spring.     
    So have you wondered why he titled the work, The Woodshed?  I have only one thought, but I would like to hear yours! 
  Make Art a part of your day, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthSeptember 29, 2019 at 7:26 PM

    Yikes! Life in the country is rugged and I can identify. But this is a detailed painting of a coarse subject. If they were going to be dressed out for food, they wouldn't be hanging in the sun. Maybe they are predators to be disposed of. Why is one held by one leg??? I love his paintings. Every shadow and angle is meaningful to the composition. The limited pallet and contrast gives much drama to these simple unfortunate birds!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Art Expert On LineOctober 11, 2019 at 12:35 PM

    Yes, totally agree, Charguth! Drama is always a good word describing Wyeth's work. Thanks for commenting, I always enjoy your perceptive eye.

    ReplyDelete

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