Artwork
Afternoon in the Garden
Afternoon in the Garden is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Henri Edmond Cross. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Städel Museum.
About this work
Overview
Afternoon in the Garden, created in 1904 by Henri Edmond Cross, is an oil painting depicting a serene garden scene with figures, characterized by its Post-Impressionist, specifically Neo-Impressionist, technique of applying color in small dots.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a tranquil afternoon scene with people dressed in late 19th-century attire, immersed in a vibrant natural setting of trees and flowers, conveying a sense of joyful serenity and peaceful coexistence with nature.
Technique & Style
Cross employed the Neo-Impressionist method, utilizing small dots of bright, vivid colors to compose the image, a technique that was pivotal in the development of the movement and influenced subsequent artistic styles.
History & Provenance
Originally titled *Afternoon in the Garden*, the painting is now part of the Städel Museum's collection. Cross, born in 1856 as Henri-Edmond-Joseph Delacroix, was a key figure in Neo-Impressionism.
Context
Cross's work, including *Afternoon in the Garden*, played a significant role in the transition towards Fauvism, notably influencing artists like Henri Matisse.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henri-Edmond Cross (French: ; 20 May 1856 – 16 May 1910), born Henri-Edmond-Joseph Delacroix (), was a French painter and printmaker.
