Who painted The summer class at Shoreham?

The summer class at Shoreham was painted by Franklin White in 1931.

Where can I see The summer class at Shoreham?

The summer class at Shoreham is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

The summer class at Shoreham

Franklin White , 1931

The summer class at Shoreham is a drawing by Franklin White. It dates from 1931 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Summer Class at Shoreham is a drawing that captures a casual outdoor gathering of artists. The piece conveys a sense of informality, with the group seated on the ground surrounded by natural foliage.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a group of artists engaged in drawing en plein air, beneath trees. The scene emphasizes the communal aspect of artistic practice, focusing on the act of creation rather than the individuals.

Technique & Style

Executed as a quick study, the drawing features faint background elements and rudimentary outlines, prioritizing immediacy over polish. Notable techniques include the use of simple lines for the natural setting and basic rendering of the figures, with one figure distinguished by a hunched posture.

History & Provenance

The drawing is signed by the artist, indicating its authenticity as a personal study. However, specific details regarding its creation date, exhibition history, or ownership timeline are not provided.

Context

Created during a period when outdoor art classes were becoming popular, this work reflects the era's emphasis on direct observation of nature. The setting at Shoreham suggests a serene, possibly instructional, environment.

Legacy

While the drawing's impact on the artist's oeuvre or broader art historical movements is not explicitly defined, it contributes to the documentation of en plein air artistic practices during its time.

Artist & collection

Artist

Franklin White

Franklin Marshall Matthews White is a Canadian public health scientist focused on capacity building for international and global education, research and development.