Sketch for "Indian and Wild Swans"

Sketch for "Indian and Wild Swans"

Drawing, American--20th century.
Figure drawing.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
Indians in art.
Milwaukee Public Museum

Oil pencil on tracing paper
32.5" x 12.25"

This sculptural group of an Indian and four swans is located on the façade of the Milwaukee Public Museum. Fredericks said of the design that the swans, “complement the simple surface (of the wall) with just the right dignified accent…(they are) stylized, artistic representations of the natural swan (having worked) with numerous studies from live specimens.”

The actual title according to Fredericks is “Algonquian Indian and (Whistling) Swans”. Fredericks stated that this work symbolizes the freedom and beauty of nature in the Great Lakes area.

Each of the four swans in the completed bronze commission weighs about ½ ton and the Indian weighs just over a ton.

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series VIII, Cabinet 1 Drawer 13 Folder 1

c. 1964

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Archives.

VIII-01-13-01

image/jpeg

Oil pencil drawing

1998.001.VIII.276

Oil pencil drawing

32.5" x 12.25"