ID#:
2005.0039.000002
Description:
Tlingit Painted Box, 1960
Ink on paper
Gift of Dr. Ulrich & Stella Fritzsche, 2005.39.2
When Helmi could no longer travel to museums or visit her Native American friends, she relied on books, such as Primitive Art (1927) by anthropologist Franz Boas, for inspiration. This image of a Tlingit box was made after a line drawing published in this volume. It represents two out of four rectangles of a single side of a container. Charles Edenshaw (1839—1920), the well—known Haida artist, believed the design to be an interpretation of the Raven as culture hero and creator.
In addition to making art, Helmi occupied her time with letter writing to an extensive network that included friends and famous people. Each envelope would often contain a drawing. This one was made expressly for the President of the United States at the time. The inscription reads, To Dwight Eisenhower —From One Artist 2 Another. Since Helmi had no money for stamps, she relied on others to mail her letters. Tlingit Painted Box never reached its destination.
Ink on paper
Gift of Dr. Ulrich & Stella Fritzsche, 2005.39.2
When Helmi could no longer travel to museums or visit her Native American friends, she relied on books, such as Primitive Art (1927) by anthropologist Franz Boas, for inspiration. This image of a Tlingit box was made after a line drawing published in this volume. It represents two out of four rectangles of a single side of a container. Charles Edenshaw (1839—1920), the well—known Haida artist, believed the design to be an interpretation of the Raven as culture hero and creator.
In addition to making art, Helmi occupied her time with letter writing to an extensive network that included friends and famous people. Each envelope would often contain a drawing. This one was made expressly for the President of the United States at the time. The inscription reads, To Dwight Eisenhower —From One Artist 2 Another. Since Helmi had no money for stamps, she relied on others to mail her letters. Tlingit Painted Box never reached its destination.
Click to Enlarge
