Thistles
John Singer Sargent · 1883–89 · Art Institute of Chicago
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From the museum
Thistles captures the tangled movement of the windblown plants in light and shadow. Executing this work in rural England (or possibly in Nice, France), John Singer Sargent experimented with broken brushwork and a vibrant palette. The landscape composition is remarkably abstract, and the dynamic patterning of the thistles asserts the flatness of the picture plane rather than a sense of depth. Beginning in 1885, Sargent spent more time painting out of doors, exploring the techniques and subjects of Impressionism, inspired by a growing friendship with Claude Monet. He continued painting en plein air throughout his life, a practice that provided needed respite from his busy schedule as an acclaimed portraitist.
The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC BY 4.0
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Details
- Maker
- John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925)
- Date
- 1883–89
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 55.9 × 71.8 cm (22 × 28 1/4 in.)
- Place of origin
- England
- Held by
- Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · Not on view
- Credit line
- Gift of Brooks McCormick
Image: Art Institute of Chicago, CC0
