Sketch for "Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer Observing the Riverboats and Giant Catfish" and "Riverboats and Giant Catfish" for the "Spirit of Kentucky"

Sketch for "Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer Observing the Riverboats and Giant Catfish" and "Riverboats and Giant Catfish" for the "Spirit of Kentucky"

Drawing, American--20th century.
Figure drawing.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Oil pencil on tracing paper mounted on board
20" x 16"

Collectively titled the Spirit of Kentucky, Barry Bingham, editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal commissioned Fredericks to design reliefs for their new building.

After Fredericks received the commission he reportedly traveled through Kentucky to get the essence of the ‘spirit of Kentucky’ for himself. Fredericks’ intent for the project was for, “children to be able to understand and enjoy, and see something different about it each time they saw it again.”

Cast in bronze and placed on a black granite surface above the tall recessed entrance, the free-form shapes and angular composition use the height of the area to point toward the dream of the settlers.

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series VIII, Cabinet 2 Drawer 13 Folder 4

c. 1948

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

VIII-02-13-04

image/jpeg

Oil pencil drawing

1998.001.VIII.450

Oil pencil drawing

20" x 16"