Artwork
The Sisters
The Sisters is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Francis Coates Jones. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1913 by American artist Francis Coates Jones, *The Sisters* is an oil painting that belongs to the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work depicts two women seated together in a dimly lit interior, their bodies turned toward each other and their arms lightly touching, emphasizing a quiet intimacy.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the relationship between the two female figures, whose loose, pastel dresses and gentle gestures suggest a moment of shared contemplation. The contrast between the dark background and the illuminated faces and hands draws attention to their expressions, inviting viewers to consider themes of sisterhood, closeness, and the private sphere of domestic life.
Technique & Style
Thick, textured brushwork—particularly in the rendering of fabric folds—creates a tactile surface that gives the clothing a three‑dimensional presence.
Jones employs a palette characteristic of American Impressionism, using soft, diffused light to model the figures. Thick, textured brushwork—particularly in the rendering of fabric folds—creates a tactile surface that gives the clothing a three‑dimensional presence. The overall handling balances delicate tonal transitions with pronounced impasto, lending the scene both atmospheric subtlety and visual vigor.
History & Provenance
Born into a distinguished Baltimore family, Jones studied in Europe under teachers such as William‑Adolphe Bouguereau before establishing a career in the United States. *The Sisters* forms part of his series of works that portray women in elegant interiors or garden settings, reflecting his interest in genteel leisure. The painting entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, where it remains on display.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Francis Coates Jones (July 25, 1857 –1932) was an American painter from a wealthy Baltimore family who studied in Europe under painters such as Bouguereau.
