Artwork
The Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is a watercolor work on paper by the American Impressionist artist John La Farge. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Wheel of Fortune is a 1900 work by John La Farge, created with gouache, watercolor, and graphite on light tan wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a nude woman standing on a wheel, surrounded by smaller figures in a dreamlike scene. The work draws on mythological themes, with the wheel likely referencing the medieval allegory of the Wheel of Fortune.
Technique & Style
La Farge's use of simple lines for the main figure contrasts with detailed facial expressions, creating a sense of narrative tension. The varying levels of detail among the figures draw attention to the central woman.
Context
La Farge was a versatile artist known for his work in multiple mediums, including stained glass, murals, and illustration. His style in The Wheel of Fortune aligns with American Impressionism.
Artist & collection
Artist
John La Farge (March 31, 1835 – November 14, 1910) was an American artist whose career spanned illustration, murals, interior design, painting, and popular books on his Asian travels and other art-related topics.
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