Drawing, Design for Chandelier

William Hunt Diederich was a prolific draftsman, continuously working out ideas and designs with graphite on paper. This group of twenty-five sketches demonstrates Hunt Diederich’s deft handling of forms and his ability to transform animals and humans into static, geometric forms that still capture a spirit of movement and speed. While Hunt Diederich worked in a variety of media including textiles and ceramics, he is perhaps best known for his dynamic metal work, for which these drawings are believed to be preparatory sketches. The group of drawings shed light on Hunt Diederich’s design process for chandeliers, lamps, candelabra, weathervanes and railings. Several drawings treat the same subject, such as the mythical battle between Hercules and a lion, in which Hercules ultimately chokes the lion to death. The sketches evoke the power of both figures, capturing them at a moment where they appear to be equally matched.

Drawing, Design for Chandelier; Designed by William Hunt Diederich (American, b. Hungary, 1884–1953); graphite on tracing paper; 27.9 × 21.6 cm (11 × 8 1/2 in.); Gift of Michael Diederich; 2018-21-1