Kyra Markham and WPA/Federal Art Project, New York City
Lapse of Time – ‘Idiot’s Delight’
1936
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- Artist: Kyra Markham
- Publisher: WPA/Federal Art Project, New York City
Lapse of Time – ‘Idiot’s Delight’
1936
Physical Qualities
Crayon lithograph, Sheet: 403 x 292 mm. (15 7/8 x 11 1/2 in.)
Image: 330 x 237 mm. (13 x 9 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
The United States General Services Administration, formerly Federal Works Agency, Works Progress Administration, on extended loan to the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Object Number
L.1943.9.453
Kyra Markham’s background as an actress in theater and film is apparent in her treatment of these two theaterbased prints. Idiot’s Delight depicts backstage preparations
for the 1936 Pulitzer Prize-winning anti-war play of that name written by Robert E. Sherwood (1896–1955). The play traveled widely in 1937 and was turned into a movie in 1939.
The play Parnell, about the scandalous 1880s affair between an Irish Member of Parliament and a married woman, was performed in New York City from November
1935 through June 1936. Here, Markham offered a view of the actors from just offstage.
Virginia Anderson and Robin Owen Joyce, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Art/Work: Women Printmakers of the WPA," November 5, 2023 - June 30, 2024.
Inscribed: RECTO: LL margin (stamped in black ink): 'FEDERAL ART PROJECT / NYC WPA'; LC margin (pencil): 'Lapse of Time - 'Idiot's Delight' ; LR margin (pencil): 'Kyra Markham '36'; BL Corner (pencil): '17'; BR Corner (pencil): '7'. VERSO: LR (pencil): '#1696 - gr. I'; C: BMA stamp.
