Wisconsin
Artist: Walt Kuhn (American, 1877–1949)
Original Dimensions: 20 1/16" x 16 1/16"
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About Artwork: (1936) "In addition to his depictions of circus performers, Walt Kuhn completed several paintings representing the quality of American ruggedness during the 1930s. These were intended to be character studies rather than portraits of specific individuals. Kuhn portrayed the model for Wisconsin, actor George Fitzgerald, in two other guises: The Man from Eden (1930, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York) and The Camp Cook (1931, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Utica, New York). The title of the former references Fitzgerald’s birthplace of Eden, Wisconsin.
Kuhn’s records report that Wisconsin was the “biggest all around success” when it was first exhibited at the Marie Harriman Gallery in 1937. A critic commented that it captured “a deeper characterization and a much more sweeping rhythm” than some of his circus subjects." - (National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)

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