Hollyhocks
Artist
John La Farge
(American, 1835 - 1910)
Dateca. 1879-1885
MediumWatercolor and gouache on paper
DimensionsUnframed: 16 3/8 x 14 1/2 inches (41.61 x 36.83 cm)
Framed: 22 1/8 x 19 1/8 x 1 1/4 inches (56.2 x 48.58 x 3.18 cm)
Framed: 22 1/8 x 19 1/8 x 1 1/4 inches (56.2 x 48.58 x 3.18 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. R. Crosby Kemper Jr. in honor of the 75th anniversary of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Object number2009.17.2
On View
Not on viewCollections
Description"Hollyhocks" is a watercolor and gouache that gives the impression of a quickly executed sketch. At the center of the painting, against an indistinct background of gray washes, two white hollyhocks and one white bud about to unfurl emerge atop a tall stalk from which several deep green leaves sprout. In the lower left, two dark pink flowers complete the expressive composition.Gallery LabelIn Hollyhocks, John La Farge layered thin, largely transparent washes of color to represent uncut
blossoms
as dynamic, untamed natural forms. These exuberant flowers are unlike the
staged, static elements common in traditional still lifes. The brilliant light
and sheer color in La Farge’s floral watercolors look ahead to his masterworks
in stained glass, such as Peonies Blowing
in the Wind. La Farge used his
watercolors as preparatory works for his decorative arts projects, but he also considered
them finished works and sold them throughout his career.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
