Artwork
Marine
Marine is a watercolor work on paper by the American Impressionist artist John La Farge. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
John La Farge's 1883 watercolor, Marine, depicts a scene classified within the genre of marine art.
John La Farge's 1883 watercolor, Marine, depicts a scene classified within the genre of marine art. The work focuses on the sea as its primary subject, capturing the essence of the maritime environment through the artist's use of watercolor and gouache on off-white wove paper. As a piece held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the painting represents the artist's engagement with coastal and oceanic themes typical of his output during this period.
Technique & Style
Created in 1883, John La Farge's Marine is executed in watercolor and gouache applied to off-white wove paper. The work measures 22.9 cm in height and 27.3 cm in width. As a marine painting, the piece utilizes these fluid mediums to depict a seascape, characteristic of the artist's approach to the genre during this period.
The combination of transparent watercolor with opaque gouache allows for layered effects and varied textural handling within the composition.
History & Provenance
John La Farge created the watercolor and gouache work titled Marine in 1883. Executed on off-white wove paper, the piece measures 22.9 cm in height and 27.3 cm in width. The artwork is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified under the American Wing.
No specific details regarding the original commission, previous owners, or the full chain of custody prior to its museum acquisition are provided in the available records.
Marine is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cataloged under inventory number 2006.137. The work entered the museum's holdings as part of the American Wing's marine art classification. It was exhibited in the 2006 exhibition "American Watercolors and Drawings, 1800-1950".
Context
John La Farge created Marine in 1883 as a watercolor and gouache work on paper, depicting marine art. The piece is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing collection and measures 22.9 cm by 27.3 cm. It is recognized as part of La Farge's broader exploration of coastal and maritime subjects within his American artistic output.
Overview
John La Farge’s 1883 watercolor and gouache composition, titled Marine, presents a tranquil seascape rendered on off‑white wove paper. The work belongs to the marine genre and exemplifies the artist’s interest in the effects of light on water, a concern that permeated his broader practice across several media.
Artist & collection
Artist
John La Farge (March 31, 1835 – November 14, 1910) was an American artist whose career spanned illustration, murals, interior design, painting, and popular books on his Asian travels and other art-related topics.
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