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Hollyhocks

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Photography by Dwight Primiano
Hollyhocks
Photography by Dwight Primiano

Hollyhocks

Artist (1835 - 1910)
Dateca. 1864-1865
MediumEncaustic on panel
Dimensions60 x 17 3/4 in. (152.4 x 45.1 cm)
Framed: 74 in. × 31 1/2 in. × 2 in.
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LinePromised Gift to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas
Signedl.r., in red: LF [indistinct]
On View
Not on view
Label TextMany artists from the late nineteenth century, including John La Farge, placed a growing emphasis on decoration and beauty. These artists believed that art had value in itself, apart from conveying moral messages or historical narratives.

John La Farge likely had this in mind when he painted Hollyhocks, which may have originally been painted to adorn a dining room. He also took inspiration from many sources, including Japanese screens and scrolls, which is reflected in the painting’s long, vertical format.

Muchos artistas de finales del siglo XIX, incluyendo John La Farge, enfatizaron cada vez más la decoración y la belleza. Estos artistas creían que el arte tenía valor en sí mismo, además de transmitir mensajes morales o narrativas históricas.

John La Farge seguramente tenía esto en mente cuando pintó La malva loca, que pudo haber sido pintado originalmente para adornar un comedor. Tomó inspiración de varias fuentes, incluyendo biombos y pergaminos japoneses, lo cual se refleja en el formato largo y vertical de la pintura.