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The Rhythmic Profile | Sargent Claude Johnson Modernist Art Mug | Graphic Archive

$24.00 CAD

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Size 11oz 15oz

Color Black

The Curator’s Note:

I decided to bring Sargent Claude Johnson into the archive because his work, specifically his painting of Lenox Avenue, captures a rare kind of "sculptural" graphic power. Johnson was a master of many media, but he had this unique ability to strip a portrait down to its most essential, rhythmic lines. I chose this piece for the collection because it feels like a bridge between traditional African motifs and the sleek, geometric energy of 1930s Modernism. It’s a bold, quiet statement. I wanted to wrap this profile around a vessel so that the face's clean, confident curves define the entire object. It’s for the morning when you want your coffee to feel as intentional and grounded as a piece of gallery stone

I included Sargent Claude Johnson in the archive because his work, especially Lenox Avenue, shows a unique kind of sculptural graphic strength. Johnson was a major figure in the San Francisco art scene and began as a sculptor. For him, drawing on limestone lithography blocks was a natural step from carving. I selected this piece for The Graphic Archive because it quietly and boldly expresses dignity. Johnson wanted to accentuate the natural beauty of the "characteristic lip and hair" (a source of negative stereotyping and identity crises) for the Black community itself, reducing a portrait to its most essential, rhythmic lines. His work connects traditional African motifs with the clean, geometric style of 1930s Modernism.

Provenance: Sourced from the Met Open Access Archive, these graphic works represent pivotal moments in art history, bringing museum-grade archival prints into your daily ritual.

The Details

Mastery: Johnson’s skill comes from treating the lithographic stone as if he were sculpting it. Drawing directly onto limestone, he created lines that feel solid and physical, not purely visual. By using the Met Open Access Archive, we have kept the sculptural quality of the ink, so the clear, confident curves of the profile shape the whole piece as if it were carved from stone.
Artist: Sargent Claude Johnson (American, 1888–1967)
The Original: Lenox Avenue, ca. 1938. A celebrated example of the Harlem Renaissance, known for its bold, simplified forms and graphic rhythm.
The Vessel: 11oz or 15oz premium ceramic. The high-contrast print is calibrated to preserve the smooth, ink-wash aesthetic of Johnson’s original lines.

Preserving the Masterpiece

To ensure the vibrant pigments of the Graphic Archive remain as vivid as the day they were painted, we recommend the following care for your 15oz vessel:

The Gentle Touch: While our ceramic is premium and durable, we recommend hand-washing with a soft sponge and mild soap to preserve the intricate brushstrokes over time.
The Modern Convenience: Your mug is dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended) and microwave-safe for your daily rituals.
Temperature & Grace: Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull the archival-quality finish.