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Adolphe Monticelli, 'Subject Composition', probably 1870-90

About the work

Overview

During his stay in Paris in the 1860s Monticelli began to paint fêtes galantes. This term derives from the pictures depicting elegantly dressed men and women, generally placed in a parkland setting and engaged in conversation, that became popular in eighteenth-century France, most often associated with Antoine Watteau. This group is typical of such a scene. The specific subject has not been identified, which is often the case with Monticelli’s late pictures. Three female figure are clearly distinguishable, while another figure, which may be male, stands in the background.

The panel is thickly painted: strong, horizontal strokes are used in the landscape, while the figures are built up with thinner, more dynamic brushwork. In some areas Monticelli seems to have applied many layers of different colours right on the surface, without mixing them first on the palette.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Subject Composition
Artist dates
1824 - 1886
Date made
probably 1870-90
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
21 × 15.9 cm
Inscription summary
Signed
Acquisition credit
Presented as part of the 'Harry Wearne Collection of Twelve Paintings by Monticelli' to the Tate Gallery, 1939; transferred, 1956
Inventory number
NG5018
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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