Collection
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Contemporary Art

Big Daddy Paper Doll

May Stevens

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Object Label

May Stevens has been a committed political activist throughout her long career. Her Big Daddy series began in response to her disappointment and anger over the Vietnam War. For Stevens, Big Daddy takes on aspects of both the personal and the political. Based on a portrait of her resolutely patriotic father, the obviously male figure is also reminiscent of President Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919). Here, the figure’s bullet-shaped head exaggerates his phallic power and capacity for violence. However, by depicting him as a paper doll, to be dressed up as an executioner, decorated soldier, policeman, or butcher, Stevens ultimately strips Big Daddy of his patriarchal command.

Caption

May Stevens (American, 1924–2019). Big Daddy Paper Doll, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, Canvas: 72 x 168 in. (182.9 x 426.7 cm): not framed. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. S. Zachary Swidler, 75.73. © May Stevens, Courtesy of RYAN LEE, New York. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Big Daddy Paper Doll

Date

1970

Medium

Acrylic on canvas

Classification

Painting

Dimensions

Canvas: 72 x 168 in. (182.9 x 426.7 cm): not framed

Inscriptions

Inscriptions verso on strainers: "May Stevens/ Mau Stevens/ 97 Wooster Street/ New York 10012/ Title: Big Daddy Paper Doll. 1970/ Acrylic on canvas" in red paint.

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. S. Zachary Swidler

Accession Number

75.73

Rights

© May Stevens, Courtesy of RYAN LEE, New York

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Artists and makers

May Stevens

4 works in the collection