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Parade

  • Creation date1951
  • Dimensions53.0 x 36.0 cm

Robert Gwathmey (1903-1988) was a pivotal American Social Realist painter known for his dignified depictions of rural life, particularly African Americans in the South. His bold, symbolic style & commitment to social justice make him a significant fi

Giclée / Art Print

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Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

Parade

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 63

Collectible Description

The Parade painting by Robert Gwathmey is a remarkable piece of art that showcases the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1951, this watercolour painting measures 53 x 36 cm and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in the United States.

Artist Background

Robert Gwathmey was an American artist known for his bold and expressive works of art. Born in 1903, he was a prominent figure in the mid-twentieth century American art scene. His paintings often featured African Americans as dignified individuals, which was a rare and courageous move for a white artist at that time.

Painting Description

The Parade painting depicts a man standing in front of a mirror with his head down, lost in thought. The room is simple, with a chair and a clock on the wall, creating a sense of intimacy and contemplation. The use of watercolour gives the painting a soft, dreamy quality, which adds to the overall atmosphere of introspection.

Artistic Style

Robert Gwathmey's artistic style is characterized by his use of bold colours and expressive brushstrokes. His paintings often feature everyday scenes and people, but with a sense of dignity and respect that was rare in art at the time. The Parade painting is a prime example of this style, with its simple yet powerful composition.
  • Watercolour technique used to create a soft, dreamy quality
  • Expressive brushstrokes that add to the overall atmosphere of introspection
  • Bold colours that bring the painting to life
Handmade oil painting reproductions of the Parade painting are available at https://ArtsDot.com, allowing art lovers to own a piece of this remarkable artwork. For more information on Robert Gwathmey and his works, visit https://ArtsDot.com or check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum website.
The Parade painting is a testament to Robert Gwathmey's skill as an artist and his ability to capture the human experience in his works. It is a must-see for anyone interested in American art and history.

Artist Biography

Robert Gwathmey: A Dignified Vision of Rural America

Robert Gwathmey (1903-1988) stands as a significant figure in American Social Realism, an artistic movement dedicated to portraying the realities of everyday life—particularly marginalized communities—with unflinching honesty and compassion. His distinctive style combined geometric abstraction with symbolic representation, conveying powerful messages about social justice and human dignity. Born into a family marked by tragedy – his father killed in an industrial accident and his mother succumbing to a vehicular collision – Gwathmey’s early life instilled within him a profound empathy for the struggles of ordinary people. His artistic journey began modestly, attending North Carolina State College before pursuing business studies briefly. Recognizing that this path wouldn't fulfill his creative aspirations, he embarked on an adventurous voyage aboard a freighter and subsequently enrolled in a year at Maryland Institute Design, broadening his horizons beyond academic pursuits. Crucially, Gwathmey honed his craft at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, immersing himself in the traditions of classical painting while simultaneously absorbing the innovations of European modernism. This formative period exposed him to influential artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, and Rufino Tamayo—figures who championed bold experimentation and expressive color palettes—as well as satirist Honoré Daumier and realist Jean-François Millet. Gwathmey’s artistic sensibilities were profoundly shaped by these encounters, informing his approach to composition and technique. He famously simplified forms, distilling complex subjects into geometric abstractions that served as vehicles for conveying deeper meanings. As Gwathmey himself eloquently articulated, “I'm a social being and I don't see how you can be an artist and be separate….artists have eyes...you go home. You see things that are almost forgotten.” This conviction drove him to depict scenes of rural America—particularly the lives of African Americans—with remarkable sensitivity and nuance. His paintings capture not merely appearances but also emotional resonance, inviting viewers to contemplate issues of social inequality and human connection. Gwathmey’s artistic output includes notable works like “Parade” (AQZUV2), a striking Cubist depiction of figures on a beach characterized by vibrant hues and geometric precision, and “Untitled (791)” (A25EVA), an expressive painting featuring a solitary woman amidst floral arrangements—a testament to his ability to evoke profound emotion through stylized abstraction. Furthermore, "Untitled (219)" (A25EVT) presents a surreal beach scene rendered in bold colors and geometric shapes, reflecting Gwathmey’s stylistic hallmark. Gwathmey's legacy extends beyond individual artworks; he served as a professor at several universities—Temple University, Beaver College, Carnegie Institute of Technology—sharing his knowledge and inspiring generations of aspiring artists. His unwavering commitment to portraying the human condition with dignity and compassion cemented his place within the canon of American Social Realism, ensuring that his vision of rural America continues to resonate with audiences today.
Robert Gwathmey

Robert Gwathmey

1903 - 1988

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Social Realism
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Painters Eleven']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Pablo Picasso
    • Henri Matisse
    • Vincent van Gogh
    • Rufino Tamayo
  • Date Of Birth: 1903
  • Date Of Death: 1988
  • Full Name: Robert Gwathmey
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Parade
    • Untitled (219)
    • Untitled (791)
  • Place Of Birth: North Carolina State College, USA
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