Artwork
Ricketts and Shannon
Ricketts and Shannon is a print by the Impressionist artist William Rothenstein. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
William Rothenstein’s 1897 print titled Ricketts and Shannon is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work presents a quiet interior scene in which two men are seated side by side, each dressed in a jacket. The composition is simple, with a plain backdrop that focuses attention on the figures and their interaction.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays a seated pair: one figure, bearded and looking downward, appears introspective, while the other, with short hair and a hand resting on his chin, gazes toward his companion. The contrasting poses suggest a moment of contemplation or conversation, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between the two subjects.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, Rothenstein employs line and tonal variation to delineate the figures and their clothing. The restrained background and limited palette emphasize form over decorative detail, aligning the work with late‑19th‑century approaches that favor realism and subtle psychological nuance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1897, Ricketts and Shannon entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings, where it remains on display. The work reflects Rothenstein’s early career, a period marked by portraiture and genre scenes that documented contemporary social encounters.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir William Rothenstein was an English painter, printmaker, draughtsman, lecturer, and writer on art.
