Artwork preview

Tobacco Cutter

Joseph L. Boyd

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of an ornate, historical artifact. The object resembles a brooch or fibula, traditionally used as a garment fastener. It features a semicircular arch at the top, decorated with bird motifs and geometric patterns. The structure beneath the arch includes a cross-hatched segment and several protruding elements. Below, two elongated legs extend downwards, adorned with small circular accents and ending in stylized animal heads. The painting is characterized by its detailed, precise illustration of the artifact and its decorative elements like enamel or inlay-like sections in green and gold tones against the creamy background.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1939
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper
Dimensions
3429 × 4035 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original