Artwork
In the Garden

In the Garden is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George de Forest Brush. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
9 cm) frames the figures in an intimate grouping, with the woman positioned alongside the two younger female figures in an outdoor setting implied by the title.
In the Garden depicts a woman accompanied by a child and a girl, rendered in oil on canvas by George de Forest Brush in 1906. The narrow vertical format (94.6 by 42.9 cm) frames the figures in an intimate grouping, with the woman positioned alongside the two younger female figures in an outdoor setting implied by the title. The composition centers on maternal and familial association, presenting the trio as a unified subject rather than as individualized portraits. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
In the Garden was painted by George de Forest Brush in 1906, executed in oil on canvas. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains housed and displayed. It is classified as a painting within the museum's holdings.
No earlier ownership records or commission details are provided in the available sources, so the documented provenance begins with its acquisition by the Met and its creation date of 1906.
Overview
George de Forest Brush, an American artist, completed "In the Garden" in 1906 using oil paint. This work portrays a serene domestic scene, featuring a woman with two young girls amidst lush natural surroundings. The painting is currently housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a characteristic example of Brush's thematic interests.
Technique & Style
Brush rendered "In the Garden" with oil paint, employing a palette of earthy tones that enhance the painting's calm and naturalistic feel. The detailed depiction of the figures and the surrounding greenery contributes to the overall sense of serenity. While Brush was associated with the Impressionist movement, the work's emphasis on form and a subdued color scheme suggests a distinct approach to capturing light and atmosphere.
Context
George de Forest Brush frequently explored domestic subjects, particularly scenes involving women and children, a focus evident in "In the Garden." Beyond his artistic practice, Brush also made notable contributions to the field of military camouflage, collaborating with figures like Abbott H. Thayer. This painting, however, showcases his dedication to intimate family portrayals, a recurring motif throughout his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
George de Forest Brush (September 28, 1855 – April 24, 1941) was an American painter and Georgist.














