Artwork
The Little Gate
The Little Gate is a print by David Little. It dates from 1932 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1948.237
- Credit line
- Gift as a token of appreciation for what our armed forces did in Australia during the war
About this work
Around it, bare branches twist against a light background, while the ground looks dry and patchy.
This print shows a small wooden gate with a chain across it, set between two rough tree trunks. The gate’s slats are uneven, and the chain hangs loosely. Around it, bare branches twist against a light background, while the ground looks dry and patchy.
The artist used deep lines and shading to make the wood and metal stand out. The gate’s chain adds a sense of something blocked or guarded.
Next, look up David Little (Australian, 1893–1951) to see more of his work.
Overview
The Little Gate, a print created by Australian artist David Little around 1932, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It depicts a simple, rustic gate scene.
Subject & Meaning
The print focuses on a small, uneven wooden gate barred by a loosely hanging chain, set between two rugged tree trunks. The composition conveys a sense of obstruction or guardianship through the chain, juxtaposed with the desolate backdrop of bare branches and dry, patchy ground.
Technique & Style
Deep lines and expressive shading are employed to emphasize the textures of the wooden gate and the metal chain, creating a stark contrast against the lighter, more subdued background.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1932 by David Little (1893–1951), the work is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
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