Stairway with Skeleton

Object NamePrint

Artist / Maker Amy Namowitz Worthen ((American, b. 1946))

Date1977-1978

OriginUSA

MediumEngraving, drypoint, roulette on paper

Dimensions17 × 14 in. (43.2 × 35.6 cm)

ClassificationsPrints and Printing Plates

Credit LineGift of the Class of 1967. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM82.241

Status

Not on view

Collections

Edition2/50

Label Text“Real and Imagined Aspects of the State Capitol” series represents some of Amy N. Worthen’ s best-known work. This suite of intaglio prints combines the State Capitol, a legendary Des Moines, Iowa landmark with fanciful characters and perspectives. This print is created to commemorate the unique and architecturally ornate 19th century government building. In the series, Worthen created seventeen prints depicting the interiors and exteriors of the Capitol often with imaginary as well as real, agricultural animals populating many of the interiors, and often times overseeing the administration of Iowa's government business. Amy Namowitz Worthen was born in New York City and attended the High School of Music and Art, the Art Students' League, and the Brooklyn Museum School. She continued her education at Smith College, studying printmaking with Leonard Baskin. In 1968 she made a dramatic move to Iowa to study at the University of Iowa with renowned printmaker Mauricio Lasansky. Worthen remained in Iowa and began teaching, but also continues to produce and exhibit. Worthen is skilled in many printmaking technique, however, the precision and control of engraving best suit her extremely descriptive and meticulous style. Worthen has a flare for the fanciful, as seen in the group of prints, The State Capitol, from which "Stairway with Skeleton" is taken. Whimsical, even comical, images are juxtaposed with others that are direct and explicit, referencing the surreal and organized chaos sometimes characteristic of government. In "Stairway with Skeleton", the imposing Victorian stairway, an architectural element visually synonymous with the Iowa State Capitol Building, is ascended by a bestial skeleton. Possibly fresh from a hidden closet, the bony remains are headed for the capitol's inner sanctum of vaulted ceilings and cathedral windows.

Markings2/50

SignedAmy N Worthen in pencil bottom right

Locations