Artwork
In Mischief
In Mischief is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Walter Shirlaw. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
In Mischief is a genre scene that portrays a woman accompanied by a cat within a domestic interior, a subject typical of 19th‑century American genre painting.
In Mischief is a genre scene that portrays a woman accompanied by a cat within a domestic interior, a subject typical of 19th‑century American genre painting. Executed in oil on canvas in 1870, the work is classified under The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition emphasizes the playful relationship between the figure and the animal, reflecting everyday domestic life. As a genre_scene, the painting captures a moment of light‑hearted interaction, highlighting the intimate domestic tableau.
Technique & Style
Walter Shirlaw painted In Mischief in oil on canvas. The work measures 55.3 by 34.3 cm. As a genre scene, it depicts a woman with a cat, a subject typical of narrative domestic painting. The choice of oil paint on canvas support was standard for American genre painting of this period, allowing for detailed rendering and tonal variation.
No specific information about the painting's handling, condition, or distinctive stylistic qualities is provided in the available sources.
History & Provenance
The painting In Mischief (1870) by Walter Shirlaw is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is classified within The American Wing of the museum. The work is an oil on canvas measuring 55.3 cm in height and 34.3 cm in width.
The provided sources do not contain specific accession numbers or a record of past exhibitions for this piece.
Overview
Walter Shirlaw's "In Mischief," painted in 1870, is an oil on canvas work depicting a lively domestic scene. Housed within The American Wing, this genre painting captures a specific moment of everyday life, focusing on the interaction between a woman, a baby, and a household pet. The artist presents a narrative that invites viewers to consider the unfolding events within the quiet confines of a home.
Artist & collection
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