Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2015.

Untitled (Seated Lady)

Artist Alexander Brooks (A.B.) Jackson (American, 1925 - 1981)

Dateca. 1978

MediumChalk, charcoal and acrylic on paper

DimensionsOverall, Frame: 46 x 34 1/2 in. (116.8 x 87.6 cm)
Overall: 36 x 26 in. (91.4 x 66 cm)

ClassificationsContemporary art

Credit LineGift of the family of Joel B. Cooper, in memory of Mary and Dudley Cooper

Object number2002.26.8

Terms

Woman
Handbag
Chair
African-American Artist
Porch
Norfolk, Virginia
White
Brown
Black
Red
Green
Norfolk, Virginia

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is a chalk, charcoal and acrylic painting on paper. _Seated Female_ is drawing of a young African American woman seated in a chair. She wears white gloves, a coat and a white blouse underneath. The artist rendered the figure in a series of charcoal lines, and then details her face. An architectural element is highlighted behind her in white chalk, contrasting with the delicate features of the woman's face. The sitter is absorbed in her own thoughts, with eyes downcast.

Label TextA.B. Jackson American (1925-1981) Untitled (Seated Lady), ca. 1978 Chalk, charcoal and acrylic on paper, 36 x 26 in. (91.4 x 66 cm) In memory of Mary and Dudley Cooper from the family of Joel B. Cooper 2002.26.8 ~ A. B. Jackson graduated from Yale University's School of Art and Architecture in 1955 and a year later began his 25-year teaching career at Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. In time he became one of Virginia's most influential and respected artists. Jackson was prolific in many media - painting, drawing, and printmaking - and became renowned for his Porch People series. These works feature anonymous sitters relaxing on their porches in Ghent, a Norfolk neighborhood. Most likely from this series, Seated Female depicts a young African American woman seated in a chair. She seems absorbed in her own thoughts, her eyes downcast. The artist quickly and deftly renders the figure in a series of charcoal lines and then details her face. He further accentuates her delicate features by silhouetting them against a white chalk background.