Artwork

The Swan

The Swan, by Anders Zorn, 1915
The Swan, by Anders Zorn, 1915

The Swan is a print by Anders Zorn. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1940.928

About this work

Overview

The Swan, a 1915 print by Anders Zorn, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a woman wading in shallow water, captured in a dynamic pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman with her body angled sideways, is the central focus. Her interaction with the water and the subtle, suggested landscape behind her imply a serene, everyday moment.

Technique & Style

Zorn employed rapid, crisscrossed lines to convey choppy water and subtle shading to achieve depth. The emphasis on light play on the subject's skin and the water's movement adds to the sense of immediacy.

History & Provenance

Created in 1915, the print is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

While specific contextual details about the work's creation are not provided, it reflects Zorn's interest in capturing everyday life and the human form in natural settings.

Legacy

The Swan, like much of Zorn's oeuvre, contributes to the understanding of early 20th-century printmaking techniques and the artist's ability to evoke movement and light through minimalist means.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Anders Zorn

Artist

Anders Zorn

Anders Leonard Zorn was a Swedish artist who attained international success as a painter, sculptor, and etching artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Swan?

The Swan was painted by Anders Zorn in 1915.

Where can I see The Swan?

The Swan is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Swan?

Museum-quality prints of The Swan are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.