Slack Wire

Artist Albert Bloch (American, 1882 - 1961)

Date1913

MediumDrypoint on paper

DimensionsPlate: 4 5/16 × 6 3/8 inches (10.95 × 16.19 cm)
Sheet: 9 3/8 × 12 1/2 inches (23.81 × 31.75 cm)

Credit LineGift of Scott Heffley

Object number2017.78.10

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

Inscribed"1913" printed at left edge under artist's monogram

On View

Not on view

Collections

American Art

Terms

DescriptionUsing fine black lines, this small, horizontally oriented drypoint print depicts an outdoor, circus-like spectacle. A dense crowd of people—largely indistinguishable as individuals—have gathered together in the middle ground of the composition against the backdrop of the suggestion of buildings irregularly dotted with small, dark windows. The attention of this cluster of people is directed towards a tightrope walker who walks from left to right along a slack wire strung between leafless trees that flank each side of the scene. The performer is bald headed and either wears a dark-colored body suit or has painted his body. He wears small bikini-like trunks. To help maintain his balance, he extends his proper left arm and holds an opened umbrella in the hand of his outstretched proper right arm. Two additional performers stand on either side of the large leafless tree at the right side of the composition. On the left side of the tree, a woman in a short, light-colored dress and black stockings stands in profile facing the left. Peeking from behind the right side of the large tree is a pierrot-type figure. This figure wears a light-colored costume with three dark circles arranged vertically down his shirt with a ruffled collar and a tall, dark top hat. Opposite this pair, in the foreground close to the picture plane just to the left of center, is a man shown from the knees up. He is positioned in profile, facing the right. He wears a dark suit and a dark top hat. His proper right arms hangs down at his side. He holds a long, slender switch-like object in his proper right hand. To the left and slightly behind him, occupying the lower left corner of the scene, is a large drum. This drum is tipped up towards the viewer and slightly to the left so that both its side and top are visible.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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