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Verona Burkhard
Original Black and White Graphite Sketch for Mural: Figure on Horseback Drawing

$2,200
£1,670.51
€1,910.36
CA$3,073.72
A$3,418.65
CHF 1,785.11
MX$41,601.29
NOK 22,798.59
SEK 21,381.06
DKK 14,257.71
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About the Item

This compelling graphite drawing on paper by Verona Burkhard (1910–2004) showcases a dynamic figure on horseback, rendered with expressive linework and a keen sense of movement. Likely created as a preliminary study for a larger mural, this untitled composition reveals Burkhard’s skill in capturing form, gesture, and energy through the subtle control of graphite. Executed with a confident hand, the sketch offers insight into the creative process of one of America’s notable WPA muralists, making it a rare and collectible piece of American art history. The drawing is presented in a custom archival frame for long-term preservation and elegant display. Framed dimensions: 29 ¾ x 22 ¾ inches, image size: 23 ½ x 16 ¼ inches About the Artist: Verona Lorraine Burkhard Verona Burkhard was an accomplished American artist, muralist, and educator, best known for her vibrant contributions to the WPA (Works Progress Administration) mural program and for shaping the Western Colorado art community. Born in 1910, Burkhard studied at the Art Students League in New York under Boardman Robinson and at Columbia University with Frank Mechau—two influential figures in American regionalism. Her training laid the groundwork for a successful career that merged public art, education, and community leadership. During the 1930s and 1940s, Burkhard completed seven federally commissioned murals across the U.S., including works in Wyoming, Montana, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. In addition to murals, she contributed to public design projects such as fountains on Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, and interior design for Mesa and Rangely Colleges. In 1945, she was appointed director of the art program at the Potomac School in Washington, D.C., before moving permanently to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1949. There, she transformed a barn into a ceramics and painting studio, opened an art school downtown, and co-founded the Grand Junction Art Center—now known as The Art Center. In recognition of her decades-long impact on the region’s cultural landscape, Burkhard was named Colorado Woman of the Year in 1965. Her work continues to be celebrated for its expressive style, community focus, and historical relevance in the story of American women artists. This drawing offers a rare glimpse into Burkhard’s artistic process, making it a valuable addition for collectors of WPA-era art, mural studies, or early 20th-century American modernism. It’s a meaningful and museum-worthy piece that reflects the energy, talent, and legacy of one of the most influential artists in Western Colorado.
  • Creator:
    Verona Burkhard (1910 - 2004, American)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 29.75 in (75.57 cm)Width: 22.75 in (57.79 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Good vintage condition. Detailed condition report is available upon request.
  • Gallery Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 258991stDibs: LU27310846402

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