This is a continuation of my previous blog on this wonderful Wisconsin artist, and it features more of his prints. Like many prolific artists, Von Neumann was not very fastidious in documentation of his work. He usually signed his prints, but only rarely dated them. Sometimes I have located three identical prints, all with different (but similar) titles. Also, he rarely issued his prints in editions. None of this really matters much to me, but it will make the job of doing a catalogue raisonne a formidable challenge. I like his work no matter what, but it would be nice to be able to date them, to better understand his growth as an artist.
Although Von Neumann's style and subject matter have the WPA (Works Progress Administration)feel to them, he was never part of the program. He was always employed, and you had to be unemployed to qualify for the WPA.
Robert Von Neumann "Great Lakes Harbor" woodcut, 8.5"h x 11"w, signed, no date
I think that it is fairly likely that this is Jones Island, Milwaukee.
Robert Von Neumann "Wharf at Jones Island" (Milwaukee) lithograph, 10"h x 7.25"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann untitled, woodcut, 8.5"h x 11"w, signed, no date
I have seen this print with the title "The Sawyers"
Robert Von Neumann untitled woodcut, 9"h x 12"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann "On the Shore of Lake Superior" woodcut, 8"h x 11"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann untitled, woodcut, 8.75"h x 11"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann untitled, woodcut, 11"h x 8.5"w, signed, 1934
Robert Von Neumann untitled, woodcut, 11"h x 8.5"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann "Reeling the Nets" lithograph, 5.75"h x 9.75"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann untitled, woodcut, 8.25"h x 11"w, signed, no date
Robert Von Neumann "The Last of the Lot" lithograph, 6.75"h x 10.5"w, signed, 11/25, no date
This is one of the few prints that indicates a specific edition
I have had a couple of print experts look at this print to better determine the technique. So far no definitive answer on that.
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