Artist: Cora M. Willett (American, 1908–1992)
Title: Barn Raising
Medium: Original Relief Print (Woodcut / Linocut) on paper
Dimensions: 18 x 12 inches (Image size); 23 x 17 inches (Frame size)
Markings: Hand-signed “Cora M. Willett” in pencil (lower right); Titled “Barn Raising” in pencil (lower left); Monogrammed “EW” in the block matrix (lower left).
Inscription: Personal presentation dedication in pencil: “for Marilyn” (lower center); unnumbered proof.
Condition: Framed and glazed.
Artwork Overview
This original relief print by mid-century printmaker Cora M. Willett is a quintessential example of American Regionalism. Executed with bold, dynamic gouge lines and a striking high-contrast tonal range, Barn Raising captures a historic narrative of American community labor and rural cooperation.
The composition is intricately layered. In the foreground, multi-figure groups gather around rustic tables to prepare a communal meal. In the background, laborers coordinate atop a massive timber-framed structure, symbolizing collective grit and progress. Willett’s mastery of the medium is evident in the expressive textures—from the swirling, patterned clouds in the sky to the raw grain of the freshly cut wood.
Rarity & Provenance Note
Measuring a classic 18 by 12 inches, this work represents a beautifully balanced composition from Willett’s studio. Lacking a standard commercial edition number, this specific piece is a unique presentation proof gifted directly by the artist, as authenticated by the intimate hand-penciled dedication “for Marilyn” in the bottom margin. This personal connection offers excellent provenance and adds an appealing layer of history for collectors of 20th-century American graphic art.