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Thomas Dietrich
Oil Painting Titled "The Death of Crispus Attucks", by Thomas Dietrich, 1943

1943

About the Item

Thomas M. Dietrich 1912-1998 The Death of Crispus Attucks, 1943 Tempera and oil on board 21 x 15 inches Signed and dated: Tom Dietrich 1943 Thomas M. Dietrich was an artist in residence at Lawrence College for 30 years and painted in the American Regionalist style. He exhibited yearly at the Art Institute of Chicago where he also received the acclaimed International William Tuthill Prize for watercolors in 1941 (Charles Burchfield won the associated Logan prize that same year) Dietrich also received a Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation fellowship and was a founding member of the Wisconsin Watercolor Society. In 1943 Deitrich painted The Death of Crispus Attucks, depicting the historical battle known as the Boston Massacre. Crispus Attucks, the first person believed to have been shot by the British redcoats, is centered as the protagonist of the painting and surrounded by other patriots falling from the British attack. The figures are painted in a manner similar to that of Dietrich’s contemporary and fellow regionalist, Thomas Hart Benton who is also known for his politically charged subjects. Crispus Attucks, is considered by many to be a hero of Black American culture and this dynamic and action filled painting helps to capture this very important American story.
  • Creator:
    Thomas Dietrich (1912 - 1998, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1943
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2157212442682
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