Artwork
Girl in Bow of Canoe Spreading Out Her Loin-Cloth for a Sail, Samoa
Girl in Bow of Canoe Spreading Out Her Loin-Cloth for a Sail, Samoa is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist John La Farge. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896 by John La Farge, this drawing is a serene representation of a woman in a canoe. Executed in watercolor and gouache over graphite on wove paper, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing a tranquil scene.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a nude woman standing in the bow of a canoe, holding up her loincloth as a makeshift sail. The calm expression and relaxed pose convey a sense of peacefulness, set against a soft landscape with a light blue sky and water.
Technique & Style
La Farge's use of watercolor and gouache creates a delicate, ethereal quality. Soft brushstrokes and muted colors contribute to the tranquil atmosphere, characteristic of Impressionist works that emphasize light and color.
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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