Artwork
A Fisherman
A Fisherman is an ink painting by the Realist artist Eastman Johnson. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting titled "A Fisherman" portrays a solitary male figure identified as a fisherman, presented in portrait format; the subject is a man, and the work’s meaning is linked to the depiction of labor or maritime life as implied by its title, though the sources do not specify additional symbolic attributes or deeper iconographic commentary.
History & Provenance
While the provided sources confirm the artwork's location and physical dimensions, they do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for the piece.
Eastman Johnson's 1865 work A Fisherman is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified under The American Wing. The painting, executed in brown inks on tan-color sized canvas, measures 23 by 21 inches. While the provided sources confirm the artwork's location and physical dimensions, they do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for the piece.
Furthermore, the available documentation does not record any exhibition history or public display dates for this specific portrait of a man.
Overview
Eastman Johnson's A Fisherman, created in 1865, is a portrait executed in brown inks on a tan-colored canvas. This work exemplifies the Realist movement through its direct depiction of an ordinary individual. Johnson, an American painter celebrated for his genre scenes and portraits of diverse subjects, also played a foundational role as a co-founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Technique & Style
Johnson utilized brown inks on a tan-colored, sized canvas, a distinctive medium choice that contributes to the work's earthy palette and texture. The artist employed precise lines and subtle shading to define the subject's features, creating a sense of volume and depth. Techniques such as cross-hatching likely contributed to the detailed yet unpretentious realism, emphasizing the subject's authentic presence.
Context
An American painter, Eastman Johnson developed his artistic perspective through extensive study abroad, particularly his engagement with 17th-century Dutch masters in The Hague during the 1850s. This period of study significantly shaped his commitment to the Realist movement. His subsequent work, including A Fisherman, consistently explored genre scenes and portraits, reflecting a broader artistic trend to portray everyday life and individuals with veracity.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jonathan Eastman Johnson (July 29, 1824 – April 5, 1906) was an American painter and co-founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, with his name inscribed at its entrance.
