Who painted Study for "Commerce"?

Study for "Commerce" was painted by John La Farge in 1885.

Where can I see Study for "Commerce"?

Study for "Commerce" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study for "Commerce"?

Study for "Commerce" is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Study for "Commerce"

John La Farge , 1885

Study for "Commerce" is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist John La Farge. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a preparatory study for John La Farge's work 'Commerce', created around 1885. It is executed in pen and black ink over graphite on wove paper mounted to paperboard.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing comprises three densely populated scenes. The left panel depicts a woman in flowing robes beside a man with a spear, surrounded by onlookers. The central scene shows a seated woman with a staff, amidst a crowd in a columned room. The right panel features a chaotic landscape with a falling figure.

Technique & Style

The artist employed rapid, sketchy lines to densely fill the page, creating a sense of activity among the figures. The use of cross-hatching, where layered lines build up to form shadows, is evident throughout the drawing, adding depth and texture to the composition.

Artist & collection

Artist

John La Farge

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.