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Maker(s):Becker, Frederick G.
Culture:American (1913-2004)
Title:Birth of John Henry from the John Henry Suite
Date Made:1935-1939
Type:Print
Materials:wood engraving
Measurements:Mat: 14 in x 11 in; 35.6 cm x 27.9 cm; Sheet: 11 1/4 in x 8 7/8 in; 28.6 cm x 22.5 cm; image: 6 in x 4 1/2 in; 15.2 cm x 11.4 cm
Narrative Inscription:  SIGNATURE: recto, lwr. r. (graphite): Fred Becker ; SIGNATURE: recto, lwr. l. (engraved in wood block): Becker ; TITLE: recto, lwr. ctr. (graphite): “BIRTH OF JOHN HENRY” ; INSCRIPTION: verso, lwr r. (stamp in black ink): FEDERAL ART PROJECT/NYC WPA
Accession Number:  UM 1974.38.135
Credit Line:Gift of Frederick G. Becker to the W.P.A. Collection
Museum Collection:  University Museum of Contemporary Art at UMASS Amherst
UM1974-38-135.jpg

Description:
Highly stylized black and white depiction of a river flowing from a large toothy mouth. Within the turbulent water John Henry's head, arms, torso and one leg reach out of the water as the figure's muscles, arms and leg seem to grow and unfurl as he emerges. A paddle-wheel boat is also tossed among the waves. Vegetation and a night sky with stars, moon and lightning acentuate the background at the upper left.

Label Text:
From the John Henry Suite.. WPA Collection.

Tags:
African American; folklore; water; supernatural

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=UM+1974.38.135

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.

2 Related Media Items


UM-Fred_Becker- SW_Hayter-letter.pdf 		UM-Fred_Becker- SW_Hayter-letter.pdf
UM1974-38-135.jpg

1 Related People

Becker, Frederick G.
American (1913-2004)
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