The Island of Moorea Looking across the Strait from Tahiti, January 1891

Created in January 1891, the watercolor The Island of Moorea Looking across the Strait from Tahiti was executed by John La Farge using watercolor, gouache, and graphite on heavy tan wove paper. The work depicts the landscape of Moorea and Tahiti, capturing the Pacific Ocean scenery viewed across the strait. It is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified under the American Wing. The painting measures 17.8 cm in height and 31.4 cm in width.

The painting is part of The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as a watercolor, gouache, and graphite work on heavy tan wove paper created in January 1891. Its depiction of Moorea, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains aligns with La Farge's interest in tropical landscapes and contributes to his standing as a pioneering American artist of the region. The work's inclusion in a major American art collection has helped shape scholarly views of nineteenth-century American depictions of the Pacific and continues to inform discussions of these subjects in art history.

John La Farge's 1891 work, "The Island of Moorea Looking across the Strait from Tahiti," captures a Pacific landscape. This piece, rendered in watercolor, gouache, and graphite on heavy tan wove paper, exemplifies American Impressionism. It presents a distant view of Moorea from the vantage point of Tahiti, showcasing the artist's engagement with light and atmosphere in a natural setting.

While recognized for this landscape, John La Farge maintained a diverse artistic practice. He was also a significant figure in American art for his contributions to illustration, large-scale murals, and interior design. Notably, his innovative work in stained glass design established new standards for the medium, reflecting a broader commitment to exploring light and color across various artistic forms.