Artwork
The Squirrel
The Squirrel is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist James Jebusa Shannon. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Squirrel is an oil painting created by Sir James Jebusa Shannon in 1898. It is an example of Impressionist work, characterized by its emphasis on capturing light and atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young girl in a white dress with purple polka dots holding a small brown squirrel. The girl's blurred face appears to be smiling, conveying a playful and innocent mood. The contrast between the dark background and the girl's light dress highlights their interaction.
Technique & Style
Shannon's use of oil paint allows for a soft, blurred effect on the girl's face, while the squirrel and dress are rendered in more detail. The loose-fitting dress and down hair of the girl add to the overall sense of informality and playfulness.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection. Shannon, an Anglo-American artist, had settled in London by the mid-1880s and was known for his Impressionist works.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir James Jebusa Shannon (3 February 1862 – 6 March 1923) was an Anglo-American artist. In 1886 he married Florence Mary Cartwright (d. 1948), with whom he had an only child, the illustrator Kitty Shannon (1887–1974).
