Having moved to Moscow in 1955, Isham began to absorb the distinct features of urban architecture, which she incorporated in a series of beautifully rendered works on paper. In their tonal fluctuations and textural contrasts, the bold forms and sensitive drawing apparent in these lithographic works—whether representational or abstract—track Isham’s changing visual perceptions of the characteristic Russian urbanscapes.
Izbas, 1958. Lithograph (edition 15), 22 ½ x 27 in. (57.2 x 68.6 cm). Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.; Rosenwald Collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Zagorsk, 1957. Lithograph (edition 15), 28 x 19 in. (71.1 x 48.3 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York
Rostov, 1956. Lithograph (edition of 15), 18 x 24 in. (45.7 x 61 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York
Apocalypse, 1958. Lithograph (edition of 25), 22 ¼ x 30 in. (56.5 x 76.2 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York
Suspended City, 1962. Intaglio (edition of 25), 22 3/8 x 30 in. (56.8 x 76.2 cm). Collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Grey City, 1958. Lithograph, 16 x 22-1/4 in. (40.6 x 56.5 cm). Collection of The Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland
