ROCKWELL KENT (1882-1971) ‘Flame’ Original Woodcut

An original woodcut print from American artist Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) titled “The Bather’ from a 1937 American Block Print Calendar with documentation of the calendar on the back of frame. Each illustration by a notable artist was printed separately so that it could be framed. Image features a heroic figure in the foreground against a large, stark white flame, mountains in the distance. This piece is a prime example of Kent’s recurring theme and interest in mysticism.

About the Artist:
Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) was born in Tarrytown, New York and was interested in art from a young age. His family’s financial standings prevented him from pursuing a career in fine arts and consequently, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in architecture at Columbia University. While primarily focusing on scenes of nature, Kent’s figurative works often contain mystical themes such as heroism and isolation. Around 1920, Kent began making woodcuts, establishing himself as one of the most prominent early American Modernists. Kent eventually left the New York art world, his time spent more on progressive political causes such as worker’s rights and preventing the spread of fascism in Europe. Later in his life, Kent found new popularity in the Soviet Union and in 1960, he donated 880 prints, drawings, and paintings to the people of the Soviet Union. Kent died of a heart attack in 1971 and was buried at Asgard, his farm in New York.

This woodcut is just one of hundreds of pieces of art that are available at our location in Grandview! Come in today and see the full collection.