Music at Night

Artist Albert Bloch (American, 1882 - 1961)

Date1914

MediumDrypoint on paper

DimensionsPlate: 8 5/8 × 12 1/8 inches (21.91 × 30.8 cm)
Sheet: 14 3/4 × 19 1/2 inches (37.47 × 49.53 cm)

Credit LineGift of Scott Heffley

Object number2017.78.1

SignedMonogram "AB" printed in upper right corner of plate; "Albert Bloch" in graphite under lower right corner of image

Inscribed"1914" printed in upper right corner of plate under monogram; "11/20" in graphite under lower left corner of image

Edition/State/Proofed. 11/20

On View

Not on view

Collections

American Art

Terms

DescriptionThis horizontally oriented drypoint print depicts seven Pierrot-type figures in a lush setting animated by fanciful grasses, flowers, bushes, and trees all composed of minute, dense networks of lines. The Pierrot-like figures are bald-headed and pale-faced. Three wear cone-shaped hats, while all are attired in simple, plain, light-colored, loose costumes. Some of the seven figures have ruffles at the cuff and collars of their costumes, while others have ruffles only at the cuffs. Moving left to right: The first figure stands in a three-quarters pose and plays a clarinet-like instrument. The standing figure next to him plays a bassoon-like instrument. Seated to his right is another figure who plays a clarinet-like instrument. Behind him stands a figure who plays a flute. At the center of the composition, is a figure with his back turned to the viewer playing the upright bass. Continuing to move right across the scene, a figure plays a mandolin-like stringed instrument. To his right, near the right edge of the composition, the seventh figure stands in profile to the picture plane, facing left and playing a clarinet-like instrument. The musicians play by the light of a moon that casts a glow just right of center near the top edge of the scene.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

None

Provenance

The artist (1881–1961), Lawrence, KS, 1914–March 23,1961;

Inherited by his wife, Anna Bloch (1913–2014), Lawrence, KS, March 23, 1961–June 11, 2001;

Her gift to Scott Heffley, Kansas City, MO, June 11, 2001–December 31, 2017;

His gift to The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, December 31, 2017.

Published References

None

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