Artwork

Jim and His Daughter

Jim and His Daughter, by Walter Ufer, oil, 1923
Jim and His Daughter, by Walter Ufer, oil, 1923

Jim and His Daughter is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Walter Ufer. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Jim and His Daughter is a 1923 oil painting by Walter Ufer, an American artist associated with the Taos, New Mexico art colony. The work depicts a quiet, outdoor scene featuring a man and a young girl.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a tender moment between a man, identified as Jim, and his daughter. He wears a distinctive red scarf and hat, while she is wrapped in a dark shawl. Jim balances a large, brown bowl on his head, suggesting a possible errand or task. The girl looks up at him, capturing a sense of intimacy and everyday life, characteristic of Ufer’s focus on Native American daily experiences.

Technique & Style

Executed in a realistic style with meticulous attention to detail and texture, the painting reflects Ufer’s alignment with American Impressionism. The vivid, natural setting—including flowers, greenery, a distant mountain, and a clear blue sky with white clouds—adds depth and context to the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1923, Jim and His Daughter is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, reflecting the institution’s interest in American artists and their depictions of indigenous life.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Walter Ufer

Artist

Walter Ufer

Walter Ufer (July 22, 1876 – August 2, 1936) was an American artist based in Taos, New Mexico. His most notable work focuses on scenes of Native American life, particularly of the Pueblo Indians.