Sunflowers by Walter H. Williams, Amer., (1920-1998)

Color Woodcut, 1958, printed 1960, first state Ed. of 200, second state without the black butterfly top center as published in 1966, 22-1/2 x 28-1/2, signed, titled and annotated Artist's Proof in pencil, on cream wove japan paper. African American Artist Walter Williams, (1920-1998), captures the innocence and earthy beauty of childhood on a rural southern farm. His prints often portray one or two solitary children, outdoors in a field, with only a butterfly, rooster or sunflowers as here, for a playmate. Occasionally we see a ramschackle outbuilding or abandoned plow in the background. The colors are mostly bright and cheerful in William's prints, even ecstatic as here; and though tempered by the poverty shown, their beauty rings true. I find them both eloquent and touching. Sunflowers is just the fourth print of his to pass through my hands in over 30 years. Williams work was just gaining attention in the mid 1960's when he moved to Denmark to escape the prejudice and discrimination