Who painted Sally: The Small Plate?

Sally: The Small Plate was painted by Walter Sickert in 1911.

Where can I see Sally: The Small Plate?

Sally: The Small Plate is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Sally: The Small Plate

Walter Sickert , 1911

Sally: The Small Plate is a print by Walter Sickert. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sally: The Small Plate, a print by Walter Sickert, captures a quiet moment in the life of an ordinary woman within a humble domestic space, circa 1911.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman with her back turned, is immersed in a mundane activity amidst everyday objects (teapot, cups, fruit plate) on a cluttered table. The scene emphasizes the unromanticized aspects of modern life, reflecting Sickert's fascination with the ordinary.

Technique & Style

Executed in a rapid, spontaneous manner reminiscent of a snapshot, the print features uneven lighting, casting shadows across the figure and table. The backdrop of textured, patterned wallpaper adds to the sense of intimacy and realism.

History & Provenance

Created around 1911, this work aligns with Sickert's association with the Camden Town Group, a collective of Post-Impressionist artists in London focused on modern, everyday life. Sickert's inspirations included press photographs and popular imagery, influencing his depiction of urban and domestic scenes.

Context

Within the broader context of early 20th-century British art, Sally: The Small Plate exemplifies the shift towards capturing the realities of modern urban existence, moving away from traditional, idealized subjects.

Legacy

This piece contributes to Sickert's legacy as a pioneer in portraying unidealized, intimate moments of modern life, influencing subsequent generations of artists in their approach to everyday subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Walter Sickert

Walter Richard Sickert (31 May 1860 – 22 January 1942) was a German-born British painter and printmaker who was a member of the Camden Town Group of Post-Impressionist artists in early 20th-century London.