Old Woman and Venus
Artist
Viola Frey
(American, 1933 - 2004)
Date1982
MediumAlkyd oil on Arches paper mounted on canvas on white painted masonite
DimensionsUnframed: 59 7/8 × 39 7/8 inches (152.08 × 101.28 cm)
Framed: 62 3/8 × 42 3/8 × 1 7/8 inches (158.43 × 107.63 × 4.76 cm)
Framed: 62 3/8 × 42 3/8 × 1 7/8 inches (158.43 × 107.63 × 4.76 cm)
Credit LineGift of Leslie Hermann and Jeffrey Hantover in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hantover
Object number2000.17
Signedl.l: "V Frey 82"
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionA vertical composition that includes images of two female figures based on Hellenistic Greek sculptures ("Old Marked Woman" and "Aphrodite of Melos"), one vase (amphora) with handles and kneeling figure design, and a large hand reaching in from the right side of the painting to grasp the vase. Overall impasto in white/cream/pink/taupe over black underpainting on paper. Color highlights: turquoise, red, orange. Incised lines in the overpaint, possibly made with wooden end of brush, reveal the black paint beneath.Gallery LabelViola Frey's monumental clay figures of men and women established her reputation in the art world. This drawing, Old Woman and Venus, is closely related to her work in ceramics. The energetic line, painterly brushwork, and vivid color, echo the expressive surfaces of her ceramic sculptures. The two female figures in this drawing are based on Hellenistic Greek sculptures, Old Market Woman and Aphrodite of Melos. Frey's use of the two women represents the contrast of ideal beauty and old age.
CopyrightThis work is copyrighted. Contact VAGA, New York, New York
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