Artwork
Girl in Bow of Canoe Spreading Out Her Loin-Cloth for a Sail, Samoa
Girl in Bow of Canoe Spreading Out Her Loin-Cloth for a Sail, Samoa is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist John La Farge. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in blue gouache: LA FARGE SAMOA
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896 by John La Farge, this drawing is a serene representation of a woman in a canoe. Executed in watercolor and gouache over graphite on wove paper, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing a tranquil scene.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a nude woman standing in the bow of a canoe, holding up her loincloth as a makeshift sail. The calm expression and relaxed pose convey a sense of peacefulness, set against a soft landscape with a light blue sky and water.
Technique & Style
La Farge's use of watercolor and gouache creates a delicate, ethereal quality. Soft brushstrokes and muted colors contribute to the tranquil atmosphere, characteristic of Impressionist works that emphasize light and color.
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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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