Drummer, 1934, by Palmer Schoppe

Drummer, 1934
By Palmer Schoppe (American, 1912 – 2001)
Oil on artist’s board; 14 x 10 inches
Gibbes Museum of Art (2004.003)
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Like many of the artists who visited Charleston, Palmer Schoppe traveled south from New York City, where he was enrolled at the Arts Students League. Schoppe headed to Charleston during the winter of 1934 in search of warmer weather and quickly became enchanted with the city, its people, the spirituals, and the music of the Lowcountry. Schoppe took a particular interest in the people of the Gullah community and created work that reflected their culture and traditions, such as this painting entitled Drummer. Following his trip to the region, Schoppe completed The Carolina Low Country. This series of ten lithographs features scenes of rural life inspired by the artist’s visit to Wadmalaw Island, a sea island near Charleston.

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