Silly Hen 1953

"Silly Hen" is a 1953 woodcut by American artist Milton Avery. The image depicts a simplified, cartoon-like hen in a bold yellow against a dark background. Avery's signature style, characterized by flat planes of color, bold outlines, and a simplified, almost childlike depiction of form, is clearly evident in this work. The composition is simple and direct, with the hen dominating the composition. "Silly Hen" embodies the spirit of mid-century modern art, with its playful use of color, form, and composition.