Martin Luther King, Jr. America, 21st century

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2002

John Wilson

(American, 1922–2015)

America, 21st century

etching and aquatint on chine collé

Sheet: 89.9 x 75.8 cm (35 3/8 x 29 13/16 in.); Platemark: 75 x 68.9 cm (29 1/2 x 27 1/8 in.)

Karl B. Goldfield Trust 2013.94

Edition: working proof (the only impression on this particular chine collé)

Location: not on view

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Description

In 1985 Wilson won a prestigious national competition to create a memorial statue of Martin Luther King Jr. for the United States Capitol's rotunda in Washington, DC. While the print, based on studies for the sculpture, faithfully describes the features of one of the 20th century's most famous and revered black leaders, it also captures the inner spirit of its subject. The near-life-sized, imposing frontality of the figure suggests strength and stability while his tilted head, slightly downturned eyes, and sloping shoulders convey weariness and vulnerability. Wilson explained, "You couldn't possibly grow up a black person without understanding the conflicts and anxieties in King." Here, the artist rendered King as both a hero and a man.