Artwork

In the Café

In the Café, by Fernand Lungren, oil, 1883
In the Café, by Fernand Lungren, oil, 1883

In the Café is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Fernand Lungren. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accession no.
59908

About this work

Overview

In the Café is a painting by Fernand Lungren, created using oil on canvas. It depicts a woman sitting alone in a Parisian café.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a fashionably dressed woman, seated alone and appearing alert. Her presence in the café reflects the changing social landscape of modern Paris, where women were increasingly able to enjoy leisure time in public.

Technique & Style

Lungren's style is characterized by dense, hard-edged brushwork. The painting showcases his interest in capturing the effects of light, including both gas and electric illumination, a concern shared with French Impressionist artists.

History & Provenance

Fernand Lungren traveled to Paris in 1882, where he briefly studied at the Académie Julian before opting for direct observation of the city and its inhabitants.

Café Scene in Paris
Café Scene in Paris, Henri Gervex

Artist & collection

Portrait of Fernand Lungren

Artist

Fernand Lungren

Fernand Lungren (1857–1932) was an American painter and illustrator. He is mostly known for his paintings of American Southwestern landscapes and scenes (in California, New Mexico, Arizona) as well as for his earlier…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted In the Café?

In the Café was painted by Fernand Lungren in 1883.

Where can I see In the Café?

In the Café is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is In the Café?

In the Café is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of In the Café?

Museum-quality prints of In the Café are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.