Southern Landscape (Southern Flood)
Eldzier Cortor
American Art
On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Trouble the Water
Already committed to a realistic style and to African American subjects, Eldzier Cortor was on his way to the Georgia Sea Islands when he was inspired to paint this image. A languid young couple is shown picnicking before the backdrop of a valley that has been flooded to construct a hydroelectric dam. Cortor endowed the muscular figures with a calm stoicism, modeling their facial features on the fixed and powerful forms of African masks. According to the artist, “[It] was created from my feelings in the face of devastation, and the two figures represent youth with hope.”
MEDIUM
Tempera and gesso on board
DATES
ca. 1944–1945
DIMENSIONS
20 x 34 in. (50.8 x 86.4 cm)
frame: 26 x 40 x 1 1/2 in. (66 x 101.6 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
2006.2
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Adler and bequest of Laura L. Barnes, by exchange
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Trouble the Water
CAPTION
Eldzier Cortor (American, 1916–2015). Southern Landscape (Southern Flood), ca. 1944–1945. Tempera and gesso on board, 20 x 34 in. (50.8 x 86.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Adler and bequest of Laura L. Barnes, by exchange, 2006.2. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2006.2_PS1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 2006.2_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
© Eldzier Cortor
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