Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Group of Figures by Maurice Prendergast (American, born Newfoundland [now Canada], 1858–1924)

Maurice Prendergast (American, born Newfoundland [now Canada], 1858–1924) · 1918-01-01

Maurice Prendergast, a Newfoundlander-American artist, captured scenes of modern life with a distinctive Post-Impressionist style. His "Group of Figures," painted in 1918, is a beautiful example of this, now at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Look closely at the woman in the pale green dress. Her posture and the tilt of her head suggest a moment of quiet contemplation or waiting. The way Prendergast uses thick, mosaic-like brushstrokes creates a vibrant, textured surface.

Prendergast was part of The Eight, a group of early 20th-century American artists who moved away from academic traditions to depict everyday life. This painting reflects his unique blend of European modernist influences and an American focus on contemporary society.

It’s a quiet moment, yet full of life. What do you imagine she is waiting for?

Details

He was a member of The Eight, a group of American artists.
He was a member of The Eight, a group of American artists.
They focused on scenes of everyday American life.
They focused on scenes of everyday American life.
Here, a woman waits, lost in thought.
Here, a woman waits, lost in thought.
This mosaic-like color gives the scene a lively atmosphere.
This mosaic-like color gives the scene a lively atmosphere.
Her gaze is directed upwards, hinting at a shared experience or observation within the group.
Her gaze is directed upwards, hinting at a shared experience or observation within the group.
Transcript

This painter was a quiet observer of modern life. He was a member of The Eight, a group of American artists. They focused on scenes of everyday American life. Here, a woman waits, lost in thought. Notice her quiet, tilted head, almost listening. This mosaic-like color gives the scene a lively atmosphere.