Hollyhocks
1864
unspecified
From the collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
1864
unspecified
From the collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Dominant colour
Hollyhocks is a 1864 unspecified by John La Farge, held at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
This painting shows a cluster of hollyhocks, their tall stems and large, showy flowers filling the frame. The flowers are mostly white and pink, with a few dark red ones scattered throughout. The background is a muted gray-brown color. The hollyhocks are depicted in a loose, expressive style, with visible brushstrokes and a sense of movement. The overall effect is one of lushness and abundance, as if the flowers are spilling out of the frame. The painting's use of color and composition creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
