Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Block-front Desk

Name Class Date

harry eduardovich eisman, Block-front Desk (1937). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
harry eduardovich eisman wahooart.com/en/artists/harry-eduardovich-eisman/
Artist’s dates
1913 – 1979
Painted
1937
Original size
38 x 30 cm

In context

Block-front Desk — harry eduardovich eisman

How big is it?

The original measures 38 × 30 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1910
  2. 1920
  3. 1930
  4. 1940
  5. 1950
  6. 1960
  7. 1970

Shaded: the lifetime of harry eduardovich eisman (1913–1979) ▲ this work, 1937

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Rosy Brown #b3ac95

    Catalogued palette

    • #B3AC95
    • #4D312A
    • #918777
    • #714332
    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Rosy Brown
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Balanced Harmony How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    harry eduardovich eisman

    Born in Chisinau, Moldova

    a moldovan artist's rise to prominence in new york

    harry eduardovich eisman, a painter from moldova, left an indelible mark on the art world despite his tumultuous life. born in 1913 in chișinău (currently in moldova) into a jewish family, eisman's early life was marred by tragedy when he became an orphan at the age of seven.

    early life and emigration

    after being orphaned, harry eduardovich eisman emigrated to new york city to live with his oldest brother alexander and their three sisters. this move would prove pivotal in shaping his future as an artist and a social activist.

    rise to prominence in new york's art scene

    eisman rose to prominence as an adolescent in new york after becoming involved in the activities of the children's organization of the communist party, the young pioneers of america (ypa). his involvement with the ypa and later his writings for the communist children's pamphlet young comrade and the adult communist newspaper, the daily worker, solidified his position as a vocal critic of racial segregation in the united states.

    notable activism and artworks

    - *protest against racial segregation*: in april 1929, eisman attended and organized protests in harlem and the bronx after the murder of henry clarke, a thirteen-year-old african american who was killed after winning a race at a school athletic meeting. - *arrests and reformatory school: his activism led to several arrests and a stint in the hawthorne reformatory school. - artistic expression*: though his artistic expressions are not as widely documented, harry eduardovich eisman's work can be found in various archives, reflecting his early life's influence on his art. for instance, painting by 'julien levy' | julien levy:frida kahlo (22 x 15 cm, philadelphia museum of art (philadelphia, united states), gelatin silver print) showcases a similar spirit in its composition.

    legacy and later life

    - *permitted to travel to the soviet union*: in november 1930, eisman was allowed to travel to the soviet union on the condition that he did not return to the united states. - *later life and artistic contributions*: though details of his later life are scarce, harry eduardovich eisman's early activism and art continue to inspire. his story serves as a testament to the enduring power of art in reflecting and shaping societal values.

    explore more about harry eduardovich eisman's life and artworks on AllPaintingsStore

    discover the kunstsammlungen und museen augsburg, a cultural treasure in augsburg, germany, featuring works from various periods and styles: kunstsammlungen und museen augsburg

    learn about the museum kunstsalon franke schenk, an art dealership and gallery in munich, germany: the museum kunstsalon franke schenk (germany)

    harry eduardovich eisman's legacy is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art and activism.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Block-front Desk

    wahooart.com/en/art/download/harry-eduardovich-eisman-block-front-desk-D3SKFU-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    eisman, harry eduardovich. Block-front Desk. 1937, https://wahooart.com/en/art/harry-eduardovich-eisman-block-front-desk-D3SKFU-en/
    APA
    eisman, harry eduardovich (1937). Block-front Desk [Painting]. https://wahooart.com/en/art/harry-eduardovich-eisman-block-front-desk-D3SKFU-en/
    Chicago
    harry eduardovich eisman. Block-front Desk. 1937. https://wahooart.com/en/art/harry-eduardovich-eisman-block-front-desk-D3SKFU-en/
    Harvard
    eisman, harry eduardovich (1937) Block-front Desk. Available at: https://wahooart.com/en/art/harry-eduardovich-eisman-block-front-desk-D3SKFU-en/

    Look closely

    Block-front Desk — harry eduardovich eisman

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. harry eduardovich eisman was about 24 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    4. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?
    5. If you could ask the artist one question about this work, what would it be?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.