Artwork

"Barrington bore it all with exemplary patience"

"Barrington bore it all with exemplary patience", by George Du Maurier, ink, 1878
"Barrington bore it all with exemplary patience", by George Du Maurier, ink, 1878

"Barrington bore it all with exemplary patience" is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist George Du Maurier. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Du Maurier's 1878 drawing, 'Barrington bore it all with exemplary patience', is a pen and brown ink with graphite work on heavy wove paper, depicting a serene domestic scene with three figures in a cozy room.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a woman fanning herself, a man resting his hands on a ball, and another woman reading a book, set against a warm backdrop of a fireplace and sunlit window. A handwritten caption hints at an underlying narrative of endurance.

Technique & Style

Du Maurier employed quick, expressive lines to capture the scene, characteristic of his sketchy yet nuanced approach, effectively conveying comfort and tranquility.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, specific provenance details are not provided, though the work aligns with Du Maurier's body of expressive, often narrative-driven drawings from this period.

Context

This piece reflects late 19th-century domestic life, with Du Maurier's style influenced by the era's emphasis on storytelling through art, potentially alluding to a broader literary or social context.

Legacy

While not individually highlighted as a landmark work, it contributes to Du Maurier's legacy of capturing everyday life and subtle narratives through his distinctive, expressive drawing technique.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.