"Twins of Spring" An Artist Proof by John T. Biggers (1924-2001)

Item Details

A rare artist’s proof lithograph in black and white by John T. Biggers, titled Twins of Spring. The striking image illustrates a figural group poised at a swing with turtles and melons at their feet. A travel grant from UNESCO afforded Biggers the opportunity to travel to West Africa in 1957, a journey that had a life long impact on the artist which is evident in the harmonious geometric patterns used in his work. The print is labeled as an artist proof in the lower left corner and is also inscribed by the artist to read ‘Sandra and Edro, Merry Xmas 1974, Uncle John and Aunt Hazel’. The artist’s signature and the date 1975 are in the lower right corner and a black frame complements the print. Provenance; The lithograph was purchased from the ArtWorks sale of the Ben and Helen Allen Collection, in 2006.
John T. Biggers was born in North Carolina and studied at Hampton Institute. As an artist he is best known for his narrative murals. In 1943, his mural titled Dying Soldier was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s landmark exhibition for young African American artists. Later in 1949, Biggers moved to Texas where he founded then chaired the art department at Texas Southern University. Labeled as a Social Realist, John T. Biggers gained national recognition over a career that spanned fifty years. His work can be found in museums including the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. and the North Carolina Museum of Art to name but a few. Please note that a similar artist’s proof is offered as item 15CIN009-371, the two make quite a nice pair.

Dimensions

Item #

15CIN009-372