Artwork
Fish
Fish is an unspecified painting by the American Folk Art artist Shepard Alonzo Mount. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Fish, a still-life painting by Shepard Alonzo Mount, dates to 1842. While primarily recognized for portraiture, Mount also explored local, everyday subjects through meticulously realistic renderings, characteristic of American folk art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts three freshly caught fish, one still hooked, laid on a dark, possibly natural surface, with subtle greenery in the background. The scene conveys a sense of immediacy and observation of common life.
Technique & Style
Mount employed chiaroscuro to achieve depth and dimensionality, guiding the viewer's eye through contrasts of light and shadow. The fish are detailed in brown, gold, and red hues, showcasing Mount's skill in capturing textures and likenesses.
History & Provenance
Created in 1842, *Fish* is now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, reflecting Mount's contribution to mid-19th-century American art beyond his portraiture.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Shepard Alonzo Mount (1804-1868) was a National Academy of Design-trained American artist during the mid-nineteenth century that painted favorable genres of realism during the time such as still-life and landscapes.
