Charles Sheeler (American, 1883–1965)
The Artist Looks at Nature
INV-4971
Charles Sheeler (American, 1883–1965)1943
The Artist Looks at Nature
Charles Sheeler (American, 1883–1965) →Modernismpaintingmodern and contemporary art
Date
1943
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
53.3 × 45.7 cm (21 × 18 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Society for Contemporary American Art
The Artist Looks at Nature presents an imagined scene of rolling greenery, massive stone walls, stairs, and pathways. Contrary to its title, the artist, Charles Sheeler, depicted himself seated at an easel, ignoring the brightly lit landscape in front of him. Rather, the figure works intently on a monochromatic drawing of an antiquated stove, which is based on one of Sheeler’s own photographs from 1917. The self-portrait also relies upon an earlier photograph by the artist.
Here, Sheeler engaged in reconstructing his own artistic past—looking back at his work across media and reconfiguring it into something new and surreal in the present. Although the painting’s intent remains unknown, it is clear that Sheeler, as artist, catalyzed and shaped this visual journey.
Also notable
Works in the same vein
