Study for "Great America" (Mother and Child) c. 1994

This pencil drawing by Kerry James Marshall is a study for his larger painting “Great America.” Dated c. 1994, it shows a mother holding her young child, focusing on the tenderness of the moment. The composition uses simple lines and shading to convey the figures, typical of the artist's style. It is a powerful visual statement that speaks to themes of family and motherhood within the Black American experience. This piece offers a glimpse into the process behind Marshall's iconic work.