Bar

Artist Albert Bloch (American, 1882 - 1961)

Date1913

MediumDrypoint on paper

DimensionsPlate: 9 7/16 × 12 1/8 inches (23.97 × 30.8 cm)
Sheet: 14 5/8 × 22 1/16 inches (37.15 × 56.04 cm)

Credit LineGift of Scott Heffley

Object number2017.78.7

SignedMonogram "AB" printed at lower left corner of image; "Albert Bloch" in graphite under lower right corner of image

On View

Not on view

Collections

American Art

Terms

DescriptionUsing fine black lines with very minimal cross-hatching or shading of any kind, this horizontally oriented drypoint print depicts the interior of a bar. Four neatly lettered rectangular signs appear on the wall. Behind the bar, just to the left of center is a sign that reads: “OLD TOM.” Just to the right of center and flush with the top edge of the composition are a pair of signs reading: “BASS ALE” and “GENTS.” The “GENTS” sign is positioned above the suggestion of a door with horizontal slats filling two long parallel panels. The fourth sign is situated at the upper right corner of the scene. It reads: “HOT LUNCH.” Multiple male figures have congregated at this bar. A pair of men wearing hats and long coats with their backs turned towards the viewers each stand with one foot on the bar rail. Behind the bar, facing out towards the establishment’s patrons and the viewer, is a rotund, mustachioed barkeep. Both of his hands rest on the bar’s surface and he wears an apron. Several bottles are depicted behind him at the center of the composition. Just to the right of center, a fourth man, also wearing a hat and long coat, leans against the bar with his proper right hand grasping a bottle that sits atop the bar. He looks out towards the viewer with his proper left hand in his coat pocket and proper left leg bent at the knee so that his heel can catch on the bar rail. Moving past the edge of the bar and a three-globed lamp, a trio of men wearing hats and long coats stand in conversation at the right edge of the composition. Tucked into the lower right corner of the scene and close to the picture plane is a round table at which another man in a hat and long coat sits. He holds a cigarette or cigar in the proper right corner of his mouth. He has propped his proper left arm up on the table just behind a class of wine. His proper right arm rests casually across his proper right thigh. To his left, near the lower center of the scene is a bowl near which a skinny dog crouches, ears up and head turned towards the left.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

None

Provenance

The artist (1881–1961), Lawrence, KS, 1913–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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