Artwork
Woman Bending Down Branch (Study for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, House, New York)
Woman Bending Down Branch (Study for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, House, New York) is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist John La Farge. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
Woman Bending Down Branch is an 1891 oil painting by John La Farge, associated with American Impressionism. It is a study for a decorative project, likely for a Vanderbilt residence.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a nude woman in a lush environment, bending to touch a branch. Her face is turned aside, eyes cast downward, suggesting a contemplative or introspective mood.
Technique & Style
La Farge's use of color, lighting, and chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality. Soft curves render the woman's body, while vibrant, textured strokes depict the surrounding foliage.
History & Provenance
Created in 1891, the painting is now held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It reflects La Farge's innovative techniques and broader engagement with color and form, characteristic of his work across various mediums.
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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