Artwork
Boy on a Chair
Boy on a Chair is a drawing by William Sommer. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
If you like this style, check out William Sommer (American, 1867–1949) for more work like this.
This painting shows a boy sitting on a wooden chair. He’s wearing a dark coat with three red circles on the front, light pants, and a cap. His hands are clasped together, and he looks straight ahead with big green eyes.
The brushstrokes are loose and quick, almost like scribbles in some spots. The colors are simple—mostly blues, browns, and whites—with a few bright reds for contrast.
If you like this style, check out William Sommer (American, 1867–1949) for more work like this.
Overview
Boy on a Chair is a 1927 drawing by American artist William Sommer. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a young boy seated on a wooden chair, wearing a dark coat with three red circles on the front, light pants, and a cap. His clasped hands and direct gaze convey a sense of stillness.
Technique & Style
Sommer's loose and expressive brushstrokes, akin to scribbles in some areas, characterize the work. A simple color palette of blues, browns, and whites is punctuated by bright red accents, reflecting Sommer's alignment with Modernist principles.
History & Provenance
William Sommer, born in Detroit in 1867, was largely self-taught but received training in Europe. He worked as a commercial lithographer before co-founding the Kokoon Arts Club in Cleveland in 1907 to promote modern art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Sommer (1867–1949) was an American Modernist painter. William Sommer was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1867. He was largely self-taught, but received instruction early on from artist and commercial lithographer…
