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"I Cannot!  It Would Be a Sin!  A Fearful Sin!", by Winslow Homer, 1868

"I Cannot! It Would Be a Sin! A Fearful Sin!"

Winslow Homer

1868

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

"I Cannot! It Would Be a Sin! A Fearful Sin!" is a 1868 by Winslow Homer, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?
Winslow Homer
When & what style?
1868 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?
Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

The painting depicts a man standing behind a woman who is kneeling on the floor. The man is dressed in a suit and tie, while the woman wears a long dress. The scene appears to be set in a room with a bed and a dresser in the background. The woman's posture and facial expression suggest that she is experiencing emotional distress or turmoil. The man's presence behind her implies that he may be offering support or comfort, but the exact nature of their relationship is unclear. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's attention to the figures in the foreground. To learn more about this artistic technique, explore the concept of chiaroscuro.

About the artist

Portrait of Winslow Homer
Artist

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and illustrator, best known for his marine subjects.

See the richer artist page

More by Winslow Homer

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