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Reverie by Matthijs Maris

Matthijs Maris · 1875-01-01

Matthijs Maris's *Reverie*, painted in 1875, is a compelling example of Symbolist art, now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It transcends a simple portrait, inviting viewers into a world of introspection and subtle emotion.

Observe the woman's gentle profile and her downward gaze, hinting at deep thought or melancholy. Beside her, a vigilant cat seems to share in her contemplative mood, creating a quiet intimacy within the shadowy setting. The rich, draped green fabric and the ethereal background add to the painting's mysterious allure.

Maris, a Dutch painter initially associated with the Hague School, developed a distinctive style that drew from Pre-Raphaelite influences. He masterfully used thin, translucent layers of oil paint to build depth and luminosity, creating the dreamlike atmosphere characteristic of Symbolism. This technique gives *Reverie* its unique, almost stained-glass-like quality, inviting quiet contemplation.

What feelings does this enigmatic scene evoke in you?

Details

He used thin layers of paint to create this dreamlike mood.
He used thin layers of paint to create this dreamlike mood.
Look closely at the woman's profile.
Look closely at the woman's profile.
A watchful cat mirrors her introspective state.
A watchful cat mirrors her introspective state.
The deep, ambiguous shadows in the background contribute to the painting's mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere.
The deep, ambiguous shadows in the background contribute to the painting's mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere.
The rich, textured green fabric dominates the lower half, creating a sense of depth and opulence.
The rich, textured green fabric dominates the lower half, creating a sense of depth and opulence.
Transcript

This painting, from 1875, is called Reverie. The artist, Matthijs Maris, was a Symbolist painter. He used thin layers of paint to create this dreamlike mood. Look closely at the woman's profile. Her downward gaze suggests contemplation, even sadness. A watchful cat mirrors her introspective state. This isn't just a portrait, it is a mood, a feeling.