Duck Print (a), Duck Stamp (b)

Object NamePrint (a), Duck Stamp (b)

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

Date1983

OriginUSA

MediumEtching (a), Engraved & Hand-colored (b)

Dimensionsa = Height: 13 7/8" Width: 15 5/8" b = Height: 2" Width: 2 3/16"

ClassificationsPrints and Printing Plates

Credit LinePurchased by University Museums. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM83.218ab

Status

Not on view

Collections

Edition1/22,595

Label TextIn 1982 Amy Worthen was invited to be a guest curator for the first comprehensive examination and exhibition of Jay N. Darling’s fine art prints. A noted printmaker and curator, Worthen brought unique curatorial and artistic talents to the exhibition and publication project. Her research and analysis of Darling’s prints can be found in the publication, The Prints of Jay N. Darling, published by the Brunnier Gallery, Iowa State University in 1984. Worthen was commissioned to create an original work of art commemorating Darling. Her print presents four mallards swooping through an open window into a sportsman’s den, complete with plaid sofa and chair, and wildlife prints on the wood paneled wall. The print is signed, and dated 1983, 1/22, 595 by Amy Worthen. The artist also created her own “Duck Stamp” that refers to Darling’s original 1934 Duck Stamp that fiscally established the future of the National Wildlife Refuge Program. Darling never considered himself a fine artist, and indeed never sold his etchings, preferring to give them to family and friends. Darling’s prints were for his own entertainment and creative endeavors, but the impact of his prints, as well as other artists, also popularized wildlife art in American culture. Worthen’ s print heralds this popular American art form as a part of Darling’s ecological and artistic legacy.

SignedAmy N Worthen 1983 in pencil lower right

Locations