Pines Grand Canyon America, 20th century

Pines Grand Canyon

c. 1921

Gustave Baumann

(American, born Germany, 1881–1971)

tempera over graphite on brown paper, incised for transfer

Support: Brown paper

Watermarks:

Image: 33.6 x 33.9 cm (13 1/4 x 13 3/8 in.); with borders: 35.9 x 35.6 cm (14 1/8 x 14 in.); Sheet: 36.4 x 35.7 cm (14 5/16 x 14 1/16 in.)

Gift of Ann Baumann 2005.472

Location: not on view

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Description

Baumann often made a full-size tempera on-site, which was then laid on a woodblock. The principal contour lines were traced with a sharp instrument that impressed the block beneath, transferring the main elements of the composition. Changes were made when the blocks were carved and the image reversed when printed. The notations on the tempera give further insight into Baumann’s working methods. Black, pink, orange, yellow, blue, and blue green are written in the lower margin in graphite, indicating which colors would be used in the print. After experimenting, he used six blocks to print seven colors. The graphite lines near the top and left edge trim the scene to concentrate attention on the trees and canyon beyond.