The Artist's Mother

Arshile Gorky

Created:
Movement:
1926 or 1936
Expressionism
key Notes:
Emotional portraiture, Armenian heritage
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Dimensions:
63 × 48.5 cm (24 13/16 × 19 1/8 in.)
medium:
Charcoal on ivory laid paper
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

The Artist's Mother by Arshile Gorky

The Artist's Mother, created by Arshile Gorky in either 1926 or 1936, is a poignant work rendered in charcoal on ivory laid paper. This piece is significant for its intimate portrayal of Gorky's mother, reflecting the artist's personal history and the trauma of his early life experiences, including the Armenian Genocide. Gorky's use of charcoal allows for a delicate yet expressive depiction, capturing both the physical likeness and emotional depth of his subject. The work is often noted for its influence on the development of Abstract Expressionism, a movement with which Gorky is closely associated. As a precursor to his later abstract works, this drawing demonstrates Gorky's ability to convey profound emotion through minimal means. The piece remains an important testament to Gorky's enduring connection to his heritage and personal past.

Description of the work:

"The Artist's Mother" by Arshile Gorky, created in either 1926 or 1936, is a poignant charcoal drawing on ivory laid paper that captures the emotional depth and personal significance of the artist's relationship with his mother. The work is characterized by its expressive lines and somber tones, reflecting Gorky's connection to his Armenian heritage and the influence of early 20th-century modernism.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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The Artist's Mother