Artist: Jacob Lawrence
Title: B,SGW (Stained Glass Windows)
Medium: Screenprint in Colors on Rising Paper
Edition: Edition 2/135
Publisher: Spradling Ames Corporation, Key West, FL
Printer: Lou Stovall Workshop Inc, Washington, DC
Image Size: 27.25" x 20.125"
Sheet Size: 32" x 25"
Year: 2000
Inscription: Signed, titled, dated, and numbered in pencil along lower edge
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Jacob Lawrence's "B,SGW (Stained Glass Windows)" (2000) exemplifies his mastery in translating narrative and cultural themes into the medium of printmaking. This screenprint, created in collaboration with master printer Lou Stovall at the Lou Stovall Workshop, Inc. in Washington, D.C., is printed on Rising paper and measures 32 x 25 inches. The edition comprises 135 prints, with this particular work being number 2, aside from 15 artist's proofs and 10 printer's proofs. Each print is signed, titled, dated, and numbered in pencil along the lower edge, ensuring its authenticity and provenance. The work was published by Spradling-Ames Corporation, Key West, Florida, and bears the blindstamp of the Lou Stovall Workshop, Inc. in the lower left corner.
The Stained Glass Windows series reflects Lawrence's continued exploration of African American history and culture through visual art. The composition is characterized by bold, geometric forms and vibrant colors, reminiscent of stained glass artistry, which Lawrence often employed to convey themes of resilience and community. This particular screenprint is based on Lawrence's 1998 painting Builders—Stained Glass Windows, further emphasizing his commitment to revisiting and reinterpreting earlier works.
Lawrence's collaboration with Lou Stovall, a renowned printmaker, was instrumental in the realization of this work. Stovall's expertise in screenprinting techniques, particularly his use of hand-cut film stencils, allowed for the intricate layering of colors and textures that are evident in the final print. Their partnership produced a series of prints that are celebrated for their technical precision and emotional depth.
While specific exhibition history for "B,SGW (Stained Glass Windows)" is not detailed in the available sources, Jacob Lawrence's works have been featured in numerous prestigious institutions, including the Phillips Collection, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. His prints, such as those created in collaboration with Lou Stovall, have been included in exhibitions like History, Labor, Life: The Prints of Jacob Lawrence at the Gibbes Museum of Art, which provided a comprehensive overview of his printmaking oeuvre from 1963 to 2000.
This screenprint is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its provenance and ensuring its place as a significant example of Jacob Lawrence's contribution to American art.
About Jacob Lawrence
Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000) was a pioneering African American painter renowned for his vivid depictions of Black life and history. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Lawrence moved with his mother and sister to Harlem in 1930, where he was immersed in the rich cultural environment of the Harlem Renaissance.
Lawrence's artistic journey began at the Harlem Art Workshop, where he studied under mentors like Augusta Savage and Charles Alston. Influenced by the works of artists such as Diego Rivera and the dynamic energy of Harlem, he developed a distinctive style he termed "dynamic cubism." This approach combined elements of European modernism with African and African American cultural motifs, characterized by bold colors and geometric forms.
At just 23, Lawrence gained national acclaim with his 60-panel series, The Migration Series, which chronicles the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North during the early 20th century. The series was jointly acquired by The Phillips Collection and the Museum of Modern Art, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Throughout his career, Lawrence created numerous other series focusing on historical figures and events, including depictions of Toussaint L'Ouverture, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. His works are held in the permanent collections of major institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Lawrence was a dedicated educator. He taught at various institutions, including Fisk University and the University of Washington, where he served for 16 years. His commitment to teaching and mentorship has left a lasting impact on generations of artists.
Lawrence's contributions to art and culture have been widely recognized. He received numerous accolades, including the U.S. National Medal of Arts and the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. His legacy continues to inspire and educate, solidifying his place as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century.
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