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Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

Precious Jewels by the Sea

"[I am] creating American narratives about American people--while critiquing it at the same time. This painting, and all of them, are about expressions of freedom." --Amy Sherald

This idyllic beach scene recalls staged snapshots from vintage photo albums--complete with puffy clouds and shimmering water. From their chic swimwear and camera-ready gazes to their picnic basket and umbrella, these four are the embodiment of summer fun.

ArtistAmy Sherald, born 1973
Date2019
MediumOil on linen
Dimensions120 x 108 x 2 1/2 in. (304.8 x 274.3 x 6.4 cm)
Signedverso, u.c.: 2019 / ASherald [heart]
Mark(s)verso, on stretcher, c.l.: [Hauser & Wirth label]
Credit LineCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2020.2
ClassificationPainting
Provenance(Hauser & Wirth, New York, NY); purchased by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR, 2020
On ViewNo
Precious Jewels by t…120 × 108 in.Standard/Movie Poster40 × 27 in.

This artwork's face covers about 12× the area of a standard movie poster.Drawn to the same scale.