Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2018.

Black Venus

Artist Margaret Burroughs (American, 1915 - 2010)

Date1957

MediumLinoleum cut on imitation Japan paper

Dimensions14 × 11 1/8 in. (35.6 × 28.3 cm)

ClassificationsModern art

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number2018.17

Terms

linoleum-block printing
linocuts
woodcut (process)
palm leaf
arrows
spears (weapons)
crowns (headdresses)
American
African American

Collections

Modern and Contemporary

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThe piece is a linoleum cut on imitation Japanese paper of a semi-nude, black female gazing out at the viewer. She holds onto a string with her left hand that connects to a pair of overly large fish swimming just out of the water. The string is also within her right hand as she holds onto a cherub flying above her. There are eights cherubs in total, a few of which fan her with palm leaves, and others which are about to shoot arrows from their bows. A male figure on her right side is partially visible, rising from the water below. He holds a spear and seems to where a crown.