Embryo, 1973, by American artist Buffie Johnson (1912–2006). Oil on canvas, signed by the artist lower right and additionally signed, titled and dated verso. Large scale biomorphic composition depicting an embryo like organic form suspended against a muted blueish gray background. Rendered in pale yellow and cream, the central figure combines anatomical and botanical references characteristic of Johnson’s exploration of fertility, nature and the female form during the 1970s.
Johnson was an important figure in postwar American art whose career spanned more than six decades. She exhibited alongside artists including Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Mark Rothko and Robert Motherwell, and was included in the 1973 Whitney Biennial, the same year Embryo was painted. Her work entered the Whitney Museum collection in 1960, and her archive is held by the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art.
The painting retains excellent color saturation and presents beautifully at its substantial 54-inch scale.
Artist: Buffie Johnson (American, 1912–2006)
Title: Embryo
Date: 1973
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 54” H × 45” W
Signature: Signed lower right; signed, titled and dated verso.
Condition: Very good overall condition with strong color saturation throughout. A small pressure mark is present along the left side of the canvas near the frame. Otherwise, the work presents beautifully.
Embryo, 1973, by American artist Buffie Johnson (1912–2006). Oil on canvas, signed by the artist lower right and additionally signed, titled and dated verso. Large scale biomorphic composition depicting an embryo like organic form suspended against a muted blueish gray background. Rendered in pale yellow and cream, the central figure combines anatomical and botanical references characteristic of Johnson’s exploration of fertility, nature and the female form during the 1970s.
Johnson was an important figure in postwar American art whose career spanned more than six decades. She exhibited alongside artists including Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Mark Rothko and Robert Motherwell, and was included in the 1973 Whitney Biennial, the same year Embryo was painted. Her work entered the Whitney Museum collection in 1960, and her archive is held by the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art.
The painting retains excellent color saturation and presents beautifully at its substantial 54-inch scale.
Artist: Buffie Johnson (American, 1912–2006)
Title: Embryo
Date: 1973
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 54” H × 45” W
Signature: Signed lower right; signed, titled and dated verso.
Condition: Very good overall condition with strong color saturation throughout. A small pressure mark is present along the left side of the canvas near the frame. Otherwise, the work presents beautifully.
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