Artwork
XXI
XXI is a print by Henri Fantin-Latour. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1905, *XXI* is a print by French artist Henri Fantin-Latour, best known for his still lifes and portraits of cultural figures. The work belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and exemplifies the artist’s later exploration of figurative composition.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a woman seated in a flowing robe, flanked by two nude figures. The arrangement suggests a dialogue between clothed and unclothed forms, inviting contemplation of modesty, vulnerability, and the interplay of presence and absence within a confined space.
Technique & Style
Fantin-Latour employs pronounced chiaroscuro, using a deep, dark background to heighten the luminosity of the figures. This contrast creates a three‑dimensional effect, emphasizing volume and depth while imparting a subdued, introspective atmosphere to the scene.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings after its acquisition in the early 20th century, though details of its earlier ownership remain sparse. Its presence in the museum reflects the institution’s commitment to representing French printmaking of the period.
Context
By the time Fantin-Latour produced *XXI*, he had largely shifted from oil painting to graphic media, experimenting with tonal variation and compositional balance. The work aligns with contemporary interests in the human figure and the psychological potential of light and shadow.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ignace Henri Jean Theodore Fantin-Latour (French pronunciation: ; 14 January 1836 – 25 August 1904) was a French painter and lithographer best known for his flower paintings and group portraits of Parisian artists and writers.
