A graphite drawing on pink prepared paper by Joseph Edward Southall (1861-1944) has been acquired by the Arkansas Arts Center in honor of Rosemary “Missy” Wright Anderson, a past president of the board of trustees and long-time supporter who died last year. The work was purchased in part by Chucki and Curt Bradbury.
“Wandering Thoughts” is the first Southall in the Arts Center’s permanent collection. The pre-Raphaelite work is one of only a few on paper, Arts Center director Todd Herman said in a press release. His comment on the work:
“Drawing on paper that has been treated with a thin, colored gesso ground requires a very high level of skill,” said Herman. “Lines must be precise since errors cannot be erased nor changes made without smudging and ruining the gesso ground layer. Not only is this a beautiful drawing, but it adds depth to our collection in terms of quality and technique.
The drawing is on exhibit in the Winthrop Rockefeller Foyer.
Full release on the jump.