Licensing Resources
Study Head (Old Woman) (recto), study head, old man (verso)
about 1883-1884
1992.379
Not currently on view
Artwork Details
20-1/4 x 16-3/8 in. (canvas) 27-5/8 x 23-1/2 x 3-1/4 in. (framed)
Mark DescriptionSigned in red, u.r.: W. FORSYTH
Accession NumberGift of Mrs. Phyllisann Hibben Courtis in memory of her mother, Louise Douglas Hibben
CopyrightAmerican Painting and Sculpture 1800-1945
Color Palette- The scattered light on this model's weathered face exemplifies the teachings of the Royal Academy faculty, who urged their students to reduce the basic harmony of their paintings to soft, shadowy grays, relieved only by sharp and colorful details in the highlights.
- Modeling was an established profession for many locals in Munich. Elderly peasants were favored by students, since their aged features provided more character and fine detail.
- Looking back on studying elderly models and tonal harmonies at the Academy, a fellow student remembered, "Ruins of mankind, we used to call them. We scrutinized their faces and tried to render the studies in a grayish green tone. We called such work 'good in tone.'"
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
Hoosier Artists in Munich: The Drawings and Paintings of Adams, Forsyth, Richards and Steele
Indianapolis Museum of Art Columbus Gallery
July 17, 1999 - September 26, 1999
Hoosiers Abroad: The Munich Paintings of Adams, Forsyth, Richards and Steele
Indianapolis Museum of Art
September 13, 1997 - October 4, 1998
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