Who painted The Artist's Mother?

The Artist's Mother was painted by Xavier Mellery in 1871.

Where can I see The Artist's Mother?

The Artist's Mother is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is The Artist's Mother?

The Artist's Mother is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of The Artist's Mother?

Museum-quality prints of The Artist's Mother are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Artist's Mother

Xavier Mellery , 1871

The Artist's Mother is an oil painting by the Realist artist Xavier Mellery. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Overview

The Artist's Mother is an 1871 oil painting by Belgian Symbolist painter Xavier Mellery, depicting a serene portrait of an elderly woman, executed in a realistic style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is an elderly woman, believed to be the artist's mother, portrayed in a contemplative state. Her attire—a dark outfit, ornate hat with flowers, and simple ring—suggests modesty and quiet dignity. The focus on her face and hands conveys warmth and realism.

Technique & Style

Mellery employed smooth brushstrokes with subtle texture, notably on the patterned, red-and-gold shawl. The use of chiaroscuro creates depth through the interplay of light and shadow, drawing attention to the subject's facial expression and hands.

History & Provenance

Created in 1871, the painting is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection. Mellery's training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Brussels and his Prix de Rome award influenced his work, though this piece aligns more closely with realism than his later Symbolist tendencies.

Context

While Mellery is also known for his Symbolist works and public sculptures (e.g., statues in Brussels' Petit Sablon garden), 'The Artist's Mother' reflects his early realist period, grounded in his academic training and exposure to Renaissance art during his time in Italy.

Legacy

As a work from Mellery's early career, 'The Artist's Mother' provides insight into the artist's technical skill and his initial alignment with realism before fully embracing Symbolism. Its presence in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp contributes to the institution's collection of 19th-century Belgian art.