Porgy was painted by Richard Beatty in 1929.

Where can I see Porgy?

Porgy is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Porgy

Richard Beatty , 1929

Porgy is a print by Richard Beatty. It dates from 1929 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Porgy is a 1927 lithograph by Richard Beatty, created using dense, expressive lines from a waxy crayon on stone. The print depicts a poignant scene from a theatrical performance.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a man slumped in a chair, with a woman leaning over him, conveying a moment of emotional intensity. The scene is likely from the climax of the narrative, where Porgy faces the potential loss of his love.

Technique & Style

Beatty employed chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to heighten the emotional impact. Thick, uneven lines achieved through the waxy crayon technique add to the expressive quality of the image.

History & Provenance

Beatty was inspired by a 1929 production of the play Porgy at the Ohio Theatre, which featured an all-Black cast. He later taught graphic arts at Karamu, where his skill in lithography was valued.