Artwork preview

Scrimshaw

Paul Ward

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a sculpture resembling a tooth or a tusk with an engraved illustration on its surface. The illustration shows a person in action, with legs apart, arms raised, and holding a sword-like object. The sculpture is primarily off-white with hints of light brown, suggesting a natural material like bone or ivory. The illustration features detailed darker lines against the lighter background. The piece is set against a plain, light-colored background, emphasizing its slender, elongated shape. A handwritten inscription is present on the right side of the sculpture.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1937
Medium
watercolor and pen and ink on paperboard
Dimensions
3388 × 4169 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original