Images(2)

Birds and Tree

DateSeptember 25-October 3, 1969

Artist/Maker Eddie Arning (1898 - 1993)

MediumOil pastel and pencil on wove tan paper

DimensionsOther (primary support): 19 5/8 x 25 11/16in. (49.8 x 65.2cm) Framed: 28 5/16 x 33 13/16 x 7/8in. (71.9 x 85.9 x 2.2cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Sackton

Object number1984.201.2

DescriptionA red border approximately 1 1/8" wide encloses the whole, followed by a gray inner border approximately 5/8" wide. Background of the composition is wavy horizontal bands of yellow, blue, pink, darker blue, and white. At bottom is brown ground with green plants. A brown leafless tree fills the R third of the composition, and in its branches are 15 variously colored birds. Three birds are on the ground, and 16 birds fill the remainder of the space above.
Label TextAs for most of his work, the inspiration for Eddie Arning’s drawing was an illustration from a popular magazine. In this instance, his source was a young child’s crayon drawing featured in “McCall’s.” For reasons unknown, Arning chose to illustrate birds in the place of tree leaves, later admitting that he had not known what the irregular shapes in the sky were meant to be. The bright colors and a lively sense of movement make this an especially cheery picture.
InscribedIn script in pencil on the reverse is, "Eddie, Arning." The inventory number "1227" appears in ink on the reverse. Impressed lettering reading vertically in the left margin is, " . . . c MANUFre CANSON & MONTGOLFIER VIDALON-LES-ANNONAY ANCne MA . . . " A blind stamp in the lower left corner of the reverse shows a circular design over two sheets of paper and reads: "[LES PAPIERS]/CANSO[N]."
MarkingsSee "Inscriptions."
ProvenanceThe drawing was acquired directly from the artist by Dr. and Mrs. Alexander H. Sackton of Austin, Texas, who in turn donated the work to the Folk Art Center.