Matsumi Kanemitsu
Man Near Barbed Wire Fence
1946
Scroll
Matsumi Kanemitsu
Man Near Barbed Wire Fence
1946
Physical Qualities
Brush and black ink and pastel on paper, Sheet: 294 × 190 mm. (11 9/16 × 7 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of J. Blankfard Martenet
Object Number
2012.711.65
The image of a man near a barbed wire fence likely stems from Kanemitsu’s recollections of war. The work may portray one of the German and Italian prisoners of war that Kanemitsu was detained alongside in the early years of the war. The bandage-like wrapping on the head of the figure could also relate to Kanemitsu’s role in the Special Services of the medical branch of the army in the closing years of World War II.
Leslie Cozzi, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Matsumi Kanemitsu: Figure and Fantasy," May 14 - October 8, 2023.
Inscribed: Recto: "M. Kanemitsu, / 1947"; Verso: lower left, in graphite: "Brush + rag + Pastel"
Markings: None
Artist
Matsumi Kanemitsu
1921–1991
born Odgen, UT 1922; died Los Angeles, CA 1992
Meet Matsumi Kanemitsu