Artwork
Study in Black and Green
Study in Black and Green is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist John White Alexander. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The work remains part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is categorized within the American Wing.
Created in 1906, Study in Black and Green is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. The work measures 127 centimeters in height and 101.9 centimeters in width. As a portrait genre piece by John White Alexander, the artist employs oil paint to depict a female subject, utilizing a palette defined by the titular black and green tones.
The composition focuses on the representation of a woman, aligning with the artist's exploration of formal qualities through color and form within the portrait classification. The work remains part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is categorized within the American Wing.
History & Provenance
John White Alexander executed Study in Black and Green in 1906. Created as an oil painting on canvas, the work depicts a female subject in a portrait format. The piece entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains housed within the institution's American Wing under accession number 11.148.2.
While the specific circumstances of its commission or prior ownership transfers are not detailed in the available records, the work's inception is firmly established at the beginning of the twentieth century. The painting measures approximately 127 by 101.9 centimeters.
Overview
John White Alexander's Study in Black and Green, created in 1906, is an oil-on-canvas work. This piece, housed in the American Wing, presents a female figure captured in a moment of quiet contemplation. Rather than a formal commission, Alexander conceived this painting as a preparatory exploration, allowing for a more spontaneous approach to composition and light. It exemplifies his dedication to figure painting within American art of the early 20th century.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a woman in a dark garment, leaning gently against a green curtain. Her face is partially obscured by shadow, contributing to an intimate and unposed atmosphere. This portrayal suggests a private instance rather than a formal sitting, inviting viewers to observe a personal reflection. The designation "study" underscores its purpose as an artistic investigation into form and mood.
Context
John White Alexander was a prominent American artist active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, recognized for his portraits and decorative commissions. Study in Black and Green aligns with his broader artistic practice, which frequently centered on the human figure. This work reflects his contributions to the evolving landscape of American art, showcasing a refined approach to capturing character and atmosphere.
Artist & collection
Artist
John White Alexander (October 7, 1856 – May 31, 1915) was an American portrait, figure, and decorative painter and illustrator.
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