Artwork
The Old Factory

The Old Factory is an oil painting by the Regionalist artist John Lillie. It dates from 1932 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
John Lillie's 1932 oil painting, The Old Factory, presents a landscape featuring an industrial structure. This work, rendered in oil paint, captures a specific moment in the artist's career. It is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it offers insight into early 20th-century landscape interpretations.
Subject & Meaning
The painting centers on a substantial, aged stone factory, accessed by a bridge, positioned within a natural setting.
The painting centers on a substantial, aged stone factory, accessed by a bridge, positioned within a natural setting. Surrounding the structure are various trees and bushes, with a body of water occupying the foreground. Distant hills rise under a cloudy sky, contributing to the scene's quiet atmosphere. The depiction evokes a sense of stillness, integrating the industrial element into a broader, tranquil landscape.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, The Old Factory displays a notable textural quality that enhances its perceived depth. Lillie employed a restricted palette, predominantly featuring muted shades of gray and brown. This choice of color, combined with the visible brushwork, contributes to the painting's overall subdued character. The technique underscores the contemplative mood established by the subject matter.
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