John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925)
Thistles
INV-1458
John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925)1883–89
ImpressionismModernismpaintingamerican arts
Date
1883–89
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
55.9 × 71.8 cm (22 × 28 1/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Brooks McCormick
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.
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