R. D. Shepherd
Medium
Drawing
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Laura Dreyfus Barney and Natalie Clifford Barney in memory of their mother, Alice Pike Barney
Accession Number
1951.14.97
Tags
Art Historical Context
This 1927 drawing by Alice Pike Barney presents a sensitive bust-length portrait of R. D. Shepherd, identified in the work’s tags as a performer. Rendered in the intimate medium of drawing, the piece captures the quiet presence of its subject with economy and grace, emphasizing facial expression and posture over elaborate detail. Created during a vibrant period in American life, the portrait reflects Barney’s interest in depicting notable figures from the performing arts. The drawing’s significance is enhanced by its place in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where it entered the collectio...