Louise Pershing Acrylic and Paper on Canvas "Mother and Child"
Item Details
Louise Pershing (Pennsylvania; 1904-1986)
Mother and Child, mid 20th century
Acrylic and paper on canvas
Signed to lower right
Descriptive label attached to verso
An acrylic painting on canvas titled Mother and Child by American artist Louise Pershing (Pennsylvania; 1904-1986). This work features two figures abstracted down to a single eye and and long hanging arms, one hovering over the other. The smaller figure is painted on a sheet of paper that is adhered to the lower center of the canvas. This work is signed ‘Pershing’ to the lower right and a descriptive label, providing the title, is attached to the verso. The painting remains unframed.
Louise Pershing was the niece of US Army General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing (1860-1948). She studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts in Philadelphia as well as the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh. Most notably, she studied under celebrated abstract expressionist Hans Hoffman in Cape Cod. Louise was a member of the National Association of Women Artists, the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, and the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. She had a solo exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art in 1945.
One of Pershing’s largest works can be found along Sixth Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. Executed in 1974, The Flow sculpture was produced from COR-TEN steel, a type of steel invented by the U.S. Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh. Inspired by a visit to their open hearth, the sculpture is an abstract depiction of steelmaking.
Condition
- some paint loss, scratch marks, debris, accretion and rubbing scattered throughout; small areas of craquelure scattered throughout; faint stretcher marks near edges of canvas; foxing throughout paper; paper is peeling along lower edge; hanging wire is detached at one end.
Dimensions
- Please note, this is an item that may be especially difficult to move and/or transport. The winner is responsible for bringing appropriate assistance, vehicle, proper materials, and any necessary tools to pickup. International shipping may be restricted.
Item #
19DCC100-632
