Black Snake Blues
Alison Saar, American, born 1956. Published by Brandywine Workshop, Philadelphia.
Date:
1994Medium:
Color offset lithographDimensions:
Image and sheet: 21 13/16 x 29 13/16 inches (55.4 x 75.7 cm)Copyright:
© Alison SaarCuratorial Department:
Prints, Drawings, and PhotographsObject Location:
2009-61-71Credit Line:
Gift of the Brandywine Workshop, Philadelphia, in memory of Anne d'Harnoncourt, 2009
1994Medium:
Color offset lithographDimensions:
Image and sheet: 21 13/16 x 29 13/16 inches (55.4 x 75.7 cm)Copyright:
© Alison SaarCuratorial Department:
Prints, Drawings, and PhotographsObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:2009-61-71Credit Line:
Gift of the Brandywine Workshop, Philadelphia, in memory of Anne d'Harnoncourt, 2009
Social Tags [?]
african american art [x] african american artist [x] lithograph [x]The languid woman portrayed here longing for her lover (personified by the snake) was inspired by Blind Lemon Jefferson’s 1920s blues song “Black Snake Moan.” The role of the snake remains somewhat ambiguous, calling to mind its opposing symbolic functions as a protector and a potential deceiver lying in wait. Or perhaps the woman is the one in control—her vacant eyes suggest those of a conjurer.
