Revery (WPA) by Leah Balsham

Revery (WPA) by Leah Balsham

Revery (WPA)

Leah Balsham

Title

Revery (WPA)

 
Artist

Leah Balsham

  1915 - 2015 (biography)
Year
1939  
Technique
lithograph 
Image Size
14 x 9 1/2" image 
Signature
pencil, lower right 
Edition Size
about 28 impressions 
Annotations
dated -39 after the signature; pencil titled in lower left 
Reference
GSA WPA book page 87; AIC FA9776; MOMA Accession Number: 43.47.209 
Paper
Artists Strathmore ivory wove 
State
published 
Publisher
Illinois W.P.A. Federal Art Project 
Inventory ID
AFAE125 
Price
SOLD
Description

This lithograph was published by Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project., Illinois.

A woman sits at a table with a look of resignation or contemplation, a vase full of dahlias beside her. The floral arrangement is so large it appears as though it is another figure seated at the table; between this and her expression, a touch of humor is lent to the scene. The texture of the litho crayon is informed by Balsham’s extensive experience with pottery and ceramic painting, and the paintbrush-like strokes employ a softness to the composition, creating a glow to the woman’s face and dress as well as the formidable bouquet in the sifting light.