John Ihle Artist's Proof Etching on Paper "Mother and Atomic Child"

Item Details

An artist’s proof etching on paper titled Mother and Atomic Child by American artist John Ihle (1925-2002), created in 1958. This abstract gray-scale work features a female figure to the right and a figure with long curving arms and a wide open mouth to the left; abstract designs resembling fossils run across the top and right edges of the composition. Dark outlines, intricate hatch marks, and various textures and patterns fill the busy composition. The work is dated and signed by hand in graphite to the lower right margin, titled to the lower center margin, and marked ‘Artist Proof’ to the lower left margin. It is mounted on cardboard backing and presented under a white mat and a protective plastic sleeve bound to the backing. The work remains unframed.

Born in Chicago, John Ihle studied at Illinois Wesleyan University where he was a student of Charles White. He was employed at the Chicago Museum of Natural History as a botanical illustrator and later became known for his experimentation in printmaking. Ihle’s work has been exhibited by several institutions including the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Condition

- large stain present to upper left area of mat; residue, stains, and scratches throughout plastic covering; binding along edges of plastic covering is detaching.

Dimensions

- measurement of mat; plate marks measure approximately 17.5" W x 11.75" H.

Item #

17WDC078-125