Helen Malta Boy with Caged Bird Color Pencil Drawing, 1930s

This is one of several just in drawings by Helen Wagner Malta (1912-1975),  which I am completely taken with--gentle and sweet without being saccharine, delicate but decisive, just enough and always subtly surprising. This and the rest from what I understand came from a  sketchbook of drawings she did in the 1930s or so, while  teaching at the Harlem Art Center and working at the New York branch of the WPA graphics division. Malta's work, which also included paintings and prints, is found in collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the National Gallery.

9" x 12". Photos show the wonderful alternating and layering use of purple, green and black pencil. Signed lower right. Very good condition.