David H. Becker (American, b. 1937)
Union Grove Picnic, 1975
Etching and engraving on paper
Size: 27 x 34.5 inches (68.6 x 87.6 cm)
Edition: 48/125
Signed and dated in pencil along the bottom margin
Created during a pivotal period when the artist had dedicated himself solely to printmaking, the work reflects his methodical approach; a single plate could occupy him for up to two years. The detailed scene demonstrates Becker’s mastery of intaglio techniques to build depth and texture.
Becker, an educator and painter who ultimately focused on printmaking, stated a fascination with “putting images together in an unpredictable fashion.” The work’s provenance is underscored by its creation date, coinciding with its inclusion in the Twenty-fourth National Exhibition of Prints at the Library of Congress in 1975.
Provenance & Exhibition History:
Becker’s etchings gained national and international prominence in the mid 1970s. Following its creation, Union Grove Picnic was produced in a limited edition of 125. Becker’s prints have been in major institutional exhibitions, including the Third American Biennial of Graphic Arts at the Museo de Arte Moderno in Cali, Colombia (1976, Gold Medal recipient), and the Brooklyn Museum National Print Exhibition. His election as an Associate of the National Academy of Design in 1983 (full Academician, 1991) further solidified his standing.
Conservation & Presentation:
The print has been floated mounted on an archival matte. It is housed in a new, minimalist black wood frame, behind non-glare, UV filtering acrylic glazing. In good condition with wear consistent with age.
Collections:
David H. Becker’s works are held in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
David H. Becker (American, b. 1937)
Union Grove Picnic, 1975
Etching and engraving on paper
Size: 27 x 34.5 inches (68.6 x 87.6 cm)
Edition: 48/125
Signed and dated in pencil along the bottom margin
Created during a pivotal period when the artist had dedicated himself solely to printmaking, the work reflects his methodical approach; a single plate could occupy him for up to two years. The detailed scene demonstrates Becker’s mastery of intaglio techniques to build depth and texture.
Becker, an educator and painter who ultimately focused on printmaking, stated a fascination with “putting images together in an unpredictable fashion.” The work’s provenance is underscored by its creation date, coinciding with its inclusion in the Twenty-fourth National Exhibition of Prints at the Library of Congress in 1975.
Provenance & Exhibition History:
Becker’s etchings gained national and international prominence in the mid 1970s. Following its creation, Union Grove Picnic was produced in a limited edition of 125. Becker’s prints have been in major institutional exhibitions, including the Third American Biennial of Graphic Arts at the Museo de Arte Moderno in Cali, Colombia (1976, Gold Medal recipient), and the Brooklyn Museum National Print Exhibition. His election as an Associate of the National Academy of Design in 1983 (full Academician, 1991) further solidified his standing.
Conservation & Presentation:
The print has been floated mounted on an archival matte. It is housed in a new, minimalist black wood frame, behind non-glare, UV filtering acrylic glazing. In good condition with wear consistent with age.
Collections:
David H. Becker’s works are held in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
