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Student Artwork Guide

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Jacob Kainen, 1966

Name Class Date
Jacob Kainen, Back (1966). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Jacob Kainen artsdot.com/en/artists/jacob-kainen/
Artist’s dates
1909 – 2002
Painted
1966
Original size
36 x 28 cm
Movement
Expressionism Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness.

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Jacob Kainen died in 2002; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2072. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 1, 2026

Back — Jacob Kainen Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Back — Jacob Kainen

How big is it?

The original measures 36 × 28 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1900
  2. 1910
  3. 1920
  4. 1930
  5. 1940
  6. 1950
  7. 1960
  8. 1970
  9. 1980
  10. 1990
  11. 2000

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 93 at death.

Painted when the artist was 57. The artist lived to 93. 53 of the 120 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Jacob Kainen (1909–2002) ▲ this work, 1966 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1949 Main working years: 1949–1974 Late works: from 1974

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/jacob-kainen-back-AQRKW5-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Phthalo Green #2a1f1b

    Catalogued palette

    • #2A1F1B
    • #EDE0D7
    • #8E7D75
    • #F3E6DF

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Phthalo Green
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Jacob Kainen over the last twelve months — 2 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 69.8%
    2. 2 United States of America 30.2%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Jacob Kainen

    1. 1 Woman with Dark Hair, 1959 25.0%
    2. 2 Color Guard, 1973 6.2%
    3. 3 (Russian Suite) Pushkin, 1973 6.2%
    4. 4 Midnight, 1965 4.2%
    5. 5 Forest Bird, 1950 4.2%
    6. 6 Back, 1966 this painting 4.2%
    7. 7 Cosmo Queen, 1972 4.2%
    8. 8 Cafeteria, 1936 2.1%
    9. 9 Luminary, 1976 2.1%
    10. 10 Pastorale, 1935 2.1%
    11. 11 The Rose Cocoon, 1970 2.1%
    12. 12 Composition, 1986 2.1%
    13. 13 Early Evening, 1938 2.1%
    14. 14 Stranger at the Gate, 1958 2.1%
    15. 15 Huckster, 1942 2.1%
    16. 16 Going Home, 1937 2.1%
    17. 17 Residential Facades, 1949 2.1%
    18. 18 Hot Spots, 1973 2.1%
    19. 19 Sanctum, 1980 2.1%
    20. 20 The Bright Reward, 1950 2.1%

    Together these works take 81.5% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 123 works by this artist, of which 29 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 6 of them, with 4.2% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 1, 2026

    Back — Jacob Kainen Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Back — Jacob Kainen

    The painting Back by Jacob Kainen is a thought-provoking artwork that showcases the artist's skill in capturing intimate moments. Created in 1966, this brush and ink on paper piece measures 14 x 11 inches and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

    Artist Background

    Jacob Kainen was a renowned American painter and printmaker who worked in various styles, including Social Realism, Expressionism, and Abstract Expressionism. His artwork is characterized by vigorous brushwork and strong color, reflecting his interests in politics, music, literature, and philosophy. Key aspects of Kainen's work include his ability to convey emotions through simple yet powerful compositions. In Back, the artist depicts two people sitting on chairs, with one person's head being held in the other's lap, creating a sense of intimacy and emotional connection.

    The use of black and white ink adds a sense of simplicity and elegance to the piece.

    The composition is well-balanced, allowing the viewer to focus on the emotional interaction between the two individuals.

    The artwork showcases Kainen's talent in creating emotionally charged scenes through his skillful use of brushstrokes and ink.

    Similar artworks can be found at https://AllPaintingsStore.com, including paintings by Antonio Frasconi and Henry Lee Mcfee. These artists, like Kainen, are known for their unique styles and ability to convey emotions through their work. For more information on Jacob Kainen and his artwork, visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com or check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum website.

    The captivating painting Back by Jacob Kainen is a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the world of American art.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 1, 2026

    Back — Jacob Kainen Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Jacob Kainen

    Born in Waterbury, United States of America

    Jacob Kainen: A Life in Art and Scholarship

    Born: Waterbury, United States of America (1909)

    Died: 2002

    Jacob Kainen was a multifaceted American artist, renowned as a painter, printmaker, art historian, and collector. His career spanned decades, marked by stylistic evolution, intellectual curiosity, and significant contributions to the art world both through his own creations and his scholarly endeavors.

    Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

    Family Background: Born to Russian immigrant parents in Waterbury, Connecticut, Kainen’s upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for culture. His father's inventive spirit and his mother's love of music and literature nurtured his artistic inclinations from an early age.

    Early Studies: Moving to New York City in 1918 provided access to institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library, fueling his passion for art history. He studied at the Art Students League, where Kimon Nicolaides emphasized freedom and confidence in artistic expression.

    Early Rebellions: Despite showing promise at Pratt Institute, Kainen’s independent spirit led to expulsion three weeks before graduation due to disagreements with the institution's conservative curriculum. This event proved pivotal, pushing him towards avant-garde movements.

    Evolution of Style and Artistic Influences

    Early Influences: Initially drawn to Old Masters, Kainen’s artistic trajectory shifted during the 1930s as he embraced German Expressionism and Social Realism. This period saw him engage with artists like Stuart Davis and Arshile Gorky, who encouraged exploration of the unconscious and copying master works.

    WPA Years: His involvement in the WPA’s Graphic Arts Program honed his printmaking skills while allowing him to explore social themes through art.

    Abstraction and Beyond: Kainen gradually moved towards abstraction, influenced by figures like Arshile Gorky. However, he never abandoned humanism or historical awareness, seeking to imbue even abstract forms with a sense of experience.

    The Loyalty Investigation & Psychological Impact: A period of intense scrutiny by the Civil Services Loyalty Board in the 1940s, stemming from his past political activities, profoundly impacted Kainen's work, leading to vivid and psychologically charged abstractions like "Exorcist" and "Unmoored #2."

    Return to Figuration: Following clearance from the loyalty board, Kainen shifted back towards figurative art, rejecting Abstract Expressionism in favor of a return to representational forms.

    Curatorial Work and Contributions to the Smithsonian

    Smithsonian Curator: From 1942 to 1970, Kainen served as curator of the Division of Graphic Arts at the Smithsonian's U.S. National Museum. He revitalized the collection through exhibitions and acquisitions.

    Influence on Washington Color Field Painting: Kainen played a crucial role in fostering connections within the art community, introducing Morris Louis to Kenneth Noland, contributing to the development of the Washington Color School movement.

    Post-Smithsonian Career: After retiring from the Smithsonian, Kainen dedicated himself fully to painting and printmaking, returning to pure abstraction and continuing his artistic exploration.

    Legacy and Historical Significance

    Collector & Philanthropist: Kainen and his wife, Ruth Cole, were avid collectors of German Expressionist art, donating a significant portion of their collection to the National Gallery of Art in 1985.

    Scholarship: Kainen’s contributions as an art historian are notable for his books on John Baptist Jackson and the etchings of Canaletto, demonstrating his deep knowledge and passion for art history.

    Enduring Artistic Vision: Jacob Kainen's legacy rests on a body of work that reflects his intellectual curiosity, artistic evolution, and unwavering commitment to exploring the human condition through diverse mediums. His influence extends beyond his own creations, encompassing his curatorial contributions and his dedication to fostering artistic dialogue.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Back

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/jacob-kainen-back-AQRKW5-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Kainen, Jacob. Back. 1966, https://artsdot.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-back-AQRKW5-en/
    APA
    Kainen, Jacob (1966). Back [Painting]. https://artsdot.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-back-AQRKW5-en/
    Chicago
    Jacob Kainen. Back. 1966. https://artsdot.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-back-AQRKW5-en/
    Harvard
    Kainen, Jacob (1966) Back. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-back-AQRKW5-en/

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 1, 2026

    Back — Jacob Kainen Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Back — Jacob Kainen

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. How many faces can you find? ____ (our catalogue counts 2 — do you agree?)
    4. Our catalogue files this work under: intimate connection, black and white art, human figure”. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    5. Look back at The Enforcer (1972), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 1, 2026

    Back — Jacob Kainen Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    Where do the visitors of "Back" by Jacob Kainen come from?

    Statistics about "Back" by Jacob Kainen are on the artwork's Stats page: monthly visits of the artwork, visits of the artist's works, and country and language breakdowns of recent visitors.

    What is the color identity of "Back" by Jacob Kainen?

    "Back" is defined by a neutrals palette led by phthalo green (#2a1f1b).

    How strong is the contrast in "Back" by Jacob Kainen?

    "Back" by Jacob Kainen shows a statement contrast between its light and dark areas.