Phoenix-Rebirth

Name/Title

Phoenix-Rebirth

Entry/Object ID

96-32-1097

Type of Print

Etching

Made/Created

Artist

McDermott, Mercia

Date made

1972 - 1973

Dimensions

Height

14 in

Width

13-3/4 in

Interpretative Labels

Label

2022, Echoes of the Classical World Every 500 years, the Phoenix gathers herbs and spices to prepare for its rebirth. Afterward, it travels to the land of paradise, embeds the ingredients in its nest, and lights itself on fire. Once it turns to ashes, a new Phoenix is born. McDermott depicts the timeless, imperishable bird in its crucial phase, with its wings outstretched to fan the flames. It is not the end: a new Phoenix will emerge amidst a fiery golden-orange haze. Text by Emmy Pope, Washburn student

Label

2024 post: Throughout 2024, we're looking back at the 100 year history of art at the Mulvane. Read WU student Emmy Pope's text about this 1972-73 print: Every 500 years, the Phoenix gathers herbs and spices to prepare for its rebirth. Afterward, it travels to the land of paradise, embeds the ingredients in its nest, and lights itself on fire. Once it turns to ashes, a new Phoenix is born. McDermott depicts the timeless, imperishable bird in its crucial phase, with its wings outstretched to fan the flames. It is not the end: a new Phoenix will emerge amidst a fiery golden-orange haze.