Nancy, Danville, Virginia America, 20th century

Nancy, Danville, Virginia

1969

Emmet Gowin

(American, 1941-)

America, 20th century

gelatin silver print

Image: 14 x 18 cm (5 1/2 x 7 1/16 in.); Paper: 20 x 25.3 cm (7 7/8 x 9 15/16 in.); Matted: 35.6 x 45.7 cm (14 x 18 in.)

Gift of Museum members in 1989 1989.437

Impression: 7

Location: not on view

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Description

Intimacy, relationships, the cycle of life, and the mundane are themes expressed in Emmet Gowin's photographs, which often focus on his wife, children, and extended family. This classically composed image of his wife's niece illustrates, however, that Gowin's photographs are not merely family snapshots. The lightness of the young girl's body and clothing set against a dark landscape dramatically emphasize his subject. Nancy's entwined, elongated arms and the eggs she holds in her hands create curved, sculptural lines. Closed eyes and a placid expression indicate her willingness to be photographed, and imply feelings of trust and emotional closeness to the artist.