Artwork

Girl with a Blue Scarf

Girl with a Blue Scarf, by Gwen John, oil, 1917
Girl with a Blue Scarf, by Gwen John, oil, 1917

Girl with a Blue Scarf is an oil painting by Gwen John. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Girl with a Blue Scarf is a painting by Gwen John, created around 1917 using oil paint. It is a portrait of a young girl, characterized by subdued tones and a contemplative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a young girl with a serious expression, wearing a blue scarf, purple shirt, and dark skirt. Her clasped hands and introspective demeanor convey a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

John's use of muted colors and subtle rendering of the subject's emotions create a sense of stillness. The artist's technique is marked by restrained color choices and a focus on capturing the subtleties of human emotion.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Museum of Modern Art's collection. Gwen John's work, often overshadowed during her lifetime by that of her brother Augustus John and mentor Auguste Rodin, gained recognition posthumously.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gwen John

Artist

Gwen John

Gwendolen "Gwen" Mary John (22 June 1876 – 18 September 1939) was a Welsh artist who worked in France for most of her career.

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