Artwork
Boy struggling into his shirt
Boy struggling into his shirt is a photographic photography by Ercole Drei. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A black-and-white photograph, mounted on green card, depicting a small statue of a boy struggling to put on a shirt.
About this work
Overview
A black-and-white photograph, mounted on green card, depicting a small statue of a boy struggling to put on a shirt. The image is part of a collection bequeathed by William Kineton Parkes in 1938, now housed in the Archive of Art and Design.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph captures a dynamic moment of everyday life: a boy contorted while dressing, conveying a sense of realism and spontaneity. The statue's pose, with one arm raised and the other securing the garment, emphasizes the universality of the depicted action.
Technique & Style
The statue itself appears smooth and minimalist, lacking extraneous details. The black-and-white photograph, while undated, effectively conveys the sculptural qualities of the subject through chiaroscuro, highlighting the boy's awkward yet natural posture.
History & Provenance
Originally part of responses to questionnaires distributed by William Kineton Parkes to sculptors in the 1920s, the photograph was bequeathed by Parkes in 1938. It is now part of the Archive of Art and Design, with the photograph's label bearing unidentified numbers.
Context
The piece reflects early 20th-century sculptural interests in capturing mundane, relatable moments. Similar works can be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum, suggesting a broader artistic trend of the time towards realism in sculpture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ercole Drei was an Italian sculptor. His work was part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
