Preparing for Its Close-up: Flowers by William H. Johnson

Mary
April 11, 2012
Media - 1967.59.602 - SAAM-1967.59.602_2 - 133485
William H. Johnson, Flowers, 1939-1940, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.602

Who doesn't like getting a personal letter in the mail? Some people get excited over coupons or magazines, but I enjoy receiving a letter hand addressed to me with a customized stamp. Well, there is now a new Forever® stamp, available from the United States Postal Service, which features a painting from the American Art Museum's collection. The artwork called, Flowers by William H. Johnson is now on view in the museum's 2nd floor galleries.

In preparation for its current display, the painting received a light cleaning and in-painting by Amber Kerr-Allison, paintings conservator for the American Art Museum. It is wonderful to see the painting in person (the paint looks like gobs of sugary cupcake frosting!), but if you do not get the chance, at least maybe it will be on the envelope of your next birthday card from your grandmother, aunt, or best friend.

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