Artwork
The Artist's Daughter Käthe Reading in a Chair
The Artist's Daughter Käthe Reading in a Chair is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist Max Liebermann. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Artist's Daughter Käthe Reading in a Chair is a 1894 drawing by Max Liebermann, executed in black and white chalk on gray wove paper. It portrays a serene domestic scene of his daughter engaged in reading.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Käthe, Liebermann's daughter, depicted in a state of absorbed reading, conveying a sense of tranquility and intimacy. The work captures a quiet, everyday moment, reflecting the artist's focus on capturing modern life.
Technique & Style
Liebermann employed simple, expressive lines and subtle shading, heightened with white chalk, to achieve a gentle, nuanced representation. This approach aligns with his Impressionist inclinations, emphasizing capturing the fleeting moments of daily life.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894, the drawing is a product of Liebermann's established period in Berlin, following his formative studies in Weimar, Paris, and the Netherlands. Provenance details are not specified in available information.
Context
As a leading German Impressionist, Liebermann's work, including this drawing, contributed to the movement's popularity in Germany. The piece reflects the era's shift towards depicting modern, everyday life in art.
Legacy
This drawing demonstrates Liebermann's skill in capturing serene, domestic moments, contributing to his reputation for gentle, observant portraits. It remains a characteristic example of his Impressionist approach to family and daily life subjects.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Max Liebermann (20 July 1847 – 8 February 1935) was a German painter and printmaker, and one of the leading proponents of Impressionism in Germany and continental Europe.
