Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2015.

Music

Artist Philip Evergood (1901-1973)

Date1933, revised 1959

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions67 x 119 1/2 in. (170.2 x 303.5 cm)
Overall, Frame: 67 1/2 x 120 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (171.5 x 306.1 x 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsModern art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. in memory of Jack Forker Chrysler

Object number80.73

Terms

Musicians
Music
African-American Theme
Blue
Yellow
Red
Black
White
New York

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is a large oil on canvas painting in bright, mostly primary, colors. The viewer is faced with a group of thirty-five musicians seated in four rows in a half circle. They are of different ages and ethnic groups playing percussion, brass, woodwind and strings. There are three central figures standing in the foreground. One has his back to viewers and appears to be directing the group. Another faces the viewer and holds up his violin/viola and bow the third plays a trombone in profile.

Label TextPhilip Evergood American, 1901–1973 Music, 1933, revised 1959 Oil on canvas Look at the variety of faces in this informal orchestra, a symphony of humanity uniting different ages, genders, races, and social classes. The artist stands on the right side, facing us with his violin held aloft in a proud salute. Philip Evergood painted Music for the Pierre Degeyter Club in New York, a union of left-wing composers and intellectuals. With its deliberately coarse and naïve style, Evergood’s painting is akin to the anthems and folk ballads created by his fellow Degeyter Club members, blending ideology and art to make a clear and powerful political statement. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., in memory of Jack Forker Chrysler 80.73