Mockery

Artist Albert Bloch (American, 1882 - 1961)

Date1910

MediumDrypoint with graphite on paper

DimensionsPlate: 9 1/4 × 11 7/8 inches (23.5 × 30.16 cm)
Sheet: 14 5/8 × 19 13/16 inches (37.15 × 50.32 cm)

Credit LineGift of Scott Heffley

Object number2017.78.2

SignedMonogram "AB" printed at upper right edge of plate; "Albert Bloch" in graphite under lower right quadrant of image; "Heinr. Welleroth, Munchen, gdr" printer's signature in graphite, left bottom plate edge

On View

Not on view

Collections

American Art

Terms

DescriptionUsing fine black lines, this horizontally oriented drypoint print portrays four figures. Near the left side of the composition positioned in a three-quarters pose and facing towards the left, is a dark-haired, pregnant woman. She wears a long-sleeved jacket or blouse that ends just about her swollen belly, and a long skirt or dress. Her proper left arm hangs limply by her side as she leans the proper right side of her body against what appears to be a wall. He figure casts a slight shadow on the wall. Her head is bowed and her eyes are downcast or closed. Across what appears to be a street, behind and to the right of the pregnant woman, stands a male/female couple and a small boy. The man is closest to the center of the composition. He wears a dark jacket and pants with a vest and a soft cap atop his head. He looks towards the pregnant woman on the opposite side of the street and wears a smug expression on his face. A slight smile plays at his lips. His proper right hand is in his pants’ pocket, while his proper left hand is extended as if gesturing to get the attention of the woman standing close by his side. She wears a large light-colored hat and a long, stripped dress with a cinched waist. Just to her right, near the right edge of the image, stands a little boy in short pants, jacket, a horizontally striped shirt, and a hat with a dark band above its brim. Like the man and woman with whom he stands, he looks towards the pregnant woman. His eyes wide, he smiles and raises his proper right hand to his cheek.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

None

Gallery Label

This drypoint reveals Albert Bloch's style from a time before he joined the avant-garde German Expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). It provides evidence of his talents as a draftsman and experience as a caricaturist and cartoonist for a St. Louis-based periodical. The content underscores Bloch's power to translate the nuances of daily life and make social commentary through an economy of means.

Provenance

The artist (1881–1961), Lawrence, KS, 1910–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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