Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Abraham

Jacob Kainen, 1970

Name Class Date
Jacob Kainen, Abraham (1970). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Jacob Kainen topimpressionists.com/en/artists/jacob-kainen/
Artist’s dates
1909 – 2002
Painted
1970
Original size
65 x 47 cm

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Jacob Kainen died in 2002; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2072. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 25, 2026

Abraham — Jacob Kainen Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Abraham — Jacob Kainen

How big is it?

The original measures 65 × 47 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1900
  2. 1910
  3. 1920
  4. 1930
  5. 1940
  6. 1950
  7. 1960
  8. 1970
  9. 1980
  10. 1990
  11. 2000

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 93 at death.

Painted when the artist was 61. The artist lived to 93. 58 of the 120 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Jacob Kainen (1909–2002) ▲ this work, 1970 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1949 Main working years: 1949–1974 Late works: from 1974

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Black #161212

    Catalogued palette

    • #161212
    • #E1DBD8
    • #70231C
    • #A48482

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Black
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Jacob Kainen over the last twelve months — 2 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 69.8%
    2. 2 United States of America 30.2%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Jacob Kainen

    1. 1 Woman with Dark Hair, 1959 25.0%
    2. 2 Color Guard, 1973 6.2%
    3. 3 (Russian Suite) Pushkin, 1973 6.2%
    4. 4 Midnight, 1965 4.2%
    5. 5 Forest Bird, 1950 4.2%
    6. 6 Back, 1966 4.2%
    7. 7 Cosmo Queen, 1972 4.2%
    8. 8 Cafeteria, 1936 2.1%
    9. 9 Luminary, 1976 2.1%
    10. 10 Pastorale, 1935 2.1%
    11. 11 The Rose Cocoon, 1970 2.1%
    12. 12 Composition, 1986 2.1%
    13. 13 Early Evening, 1938 2.1%
    14. 14 Stranger at the Gate, 1958 2.1%
    15. 15 Huckster, 1942 2.1%
    16. 16 Going Home, 1937 2.1%
    17. 17 Residential Facades, 1949 2.1%
    18. 18 Hot Spots, 1973 2.1%
    19. 19 Sanctum, 1980 2.1%
    20. — Abraham, 1970 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 79.4% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 123 works by this artist, of which 29 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 25, 2026

    Abraham — Jacob Kainen Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Abraham — Jacob Kainen

    The painting Abraham by Jacob Kainen is a thought-provoking artwork that showcases the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1970, this color screenprint on paper measures 65 x 47 cm and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The image depicts a red and white dog with blood on its face, adding a sense of urgency or danger to the scene.

    Artist's Background

    Jacob Kainen was an American artist known for his diverse range of works, from paintings to prints. His artistic career spanned over seven decades, during which he explored various styles and techniques. As a scholar, curator, and artist, Kainen was deeply interested in politics, music, literature, and philosophy, which are reflected in his artworks.

    Style and Technique

    The painting Abraham is characterized by its simplicity and flat rendering, reminiscent of Naive Art/Primitivism. The use of bold colors and geometric shapes creates a sense of tension and drama. Kainen's unique style was influenced by his self-education in museums and libraries, where he studied the works of masters such as Rembrandt and Cézanne.

    The painting Abraham is a stunning example of Kainen's ability to convey complex emotions through simple forms.

    The artwork is a testament to the artist's experimentation with different techniques and mediums, including screenprinting and paper.

    The Smithsonian American Art Museum houses an extensive collection of Kainen's works, showcasing his contributions to American art.

    Handmade oil painting reproductions of Abraham can be found on https://AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of this captivating artwork. For more information on Jacob Kainen and his works, visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com or Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Kainen.

    The painting Abraham by Jacob Kainen is a must-see for art lovers and scholars alike, offering a unique glimpse into the artist's creative vision and technical skill.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 25, 2026

    Abraham — Jacob Kainen Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Jacob Kainen

    Born in Waterbury, United States of America

    Jacob Kainen: A Life in Art and Scholarship

    Born: Waterbury, United States of America (1909)

    Died: 2002

    Jacob Kainen was a multifaceted American artist, renowned as a painter, printmaker, art historian, and collector. His career spanned decades, marked by stylistic evolution, intellectual curiosity, and significant contributions to the art world both through his own creations and his scholarly endeavors.

    Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

    Family Background: Born to Russian immigrant parents in Waterbury, Connecticut, Kainen’s upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for culture. His father's inventive spirit and his mother's love of music and literature nurtured his artistic inclinations from an early age.

    Early Studies: Moving to New York City in 1918 provided access to institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library, fueling his passion for art history. He studied at the Art Students League, where Kimon Nicolaides emphasized freedom and confidence in artistic expression.

    Early Rebellions: Despite showing promise at Pratt Institute, Kainen’s independent spirit led to expulsion three weeks before graduation due to disagreements with the institution's conservative curriculum. This event proved pivotal, pushing him towards avant-garde movements.

    Evolution of Style and Artistic Influences

    Early Influences: Initially drawn to Old Masters, Kainen’s artistic trajectory shifted during the 1930s as he embraced German Expressionism and Social Realism. This period saw him engage with artists like Stuart Davis and Arshile Gorky, who encouraged exploration of the unconscious and copying master works.

    WPA Years: His involvement in the WPA’s Graphic Arts Program honed his printmaking skills while allowing him to explore social themes through art.

    Abstraction and Beyond: Kainen gradually moved towards abstraction, influenced by figures like Arshile Gorky. However, he never abandoned humanism or historical awareness, seeking to imbue even abstract forms with a sense of experience.

    The Loyalty Investigation & Psychological Impact: A period of intense scrutiny by the Civil Services Loyalty Board in the 1940s, stemming from his past political activities, profoundly impacted Kainen's work, leading to vivid and psychologically charged abstractions like "Exorcist" and "Unmoored #2."

    Return to Figuration: Following clearance from the loyalty board, Kainen shifted back towards figurative art, rejecting Abstract Expressionism in favor of a return to representational forms.

    Curatorial Work and Contributions to the Smithsonian

    Smithsonian Curator: From 1942 to 1970, Kainen served as curator of the Division of Graphic Arts at the Smithsonian's U.S. National Museum. He revitalized the collection through exhibitions and acquisitions.

    Influence on Washington Color Field Painting: Kainen played a crucial role in fostering connections within the art community, introducing Morris Louis to Kenneth Noland, contributing to the development of the Washington Color School movement.

    Post-Smithsonian Career: After retiring from the Smithsonian, Kainen dedicated himself fully to painting and printmaking, returning to pure abstraction and continuing his artistic exploration.

    Legacy and Historical Significance

    Collector & Philanthropist: Kainen and his wife, Ruth Cole, were avid collectors of German Expressionist art, donating a significant portion of their collection to the National Gallery of Art in 1985.

    Scholarship: Kainen’s contributions as an art historian are notable for his books on John Baptist Jackson and the etchings of Canaletto, demonstrating his deep knowledge and passion for art history.

    Enduring Artistic Vision: Jacob Kainen's legacy rests on a body of work that reflects his intellectual curiosity, artistic evolution, and unwavering commitment to exploring the human condition through diverse mediums. His influence extends beyond his own creations, encompassing his curatorial contributions and his dedication to fostering artistic dialogue.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Jacob Kainen topimpressionists.com/en/artists/jacob-kainen/
    • Similar works More works to compare topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Abraham

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Kainen, Jacob. Abraham. 1970, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/
    APA
    Kainen, Jacob (1970). Abraham [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/
    Chicago
    Jacob Kainen. Abraham. 1970. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/
    Harvard
    Kainen, Jacob (1970) Abraham. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jacob-kainen-abraham-AQRKTH-en/

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 25, 2026

    Abraham — Jacob Kainen Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Abraham — Jacob Kainen

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at The Enforcer (1972), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Jacob Kainen was about 61 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: TopImpressionists.com — accessed Sept. 25, 2026

    Abraham — Jacob Kainen Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    How light is "Abraham" overall?

    Overall, "Abraham" is recorded as bright. Perceived brightness describes how light or dark the work appears.

    How saturated is the palette of "Abraham"?

    The colors of "Abraham" by Jacob Kainen have a balanced soft saturation. Saturation describes how vivid or muted the colors are.

    When was "Abraham" made?

    The creation of "Abraham" by Jacob Kainen is dated 1970.