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Carnations

Henry Farrer

American Art

These two flower studies represent Henry Farrer’s obedience to the Ruskinian regimen of self-instruction: learning to paint by studying objects from nature with attention and fidelity to detail. The intricate constructions of petals that make up carnation and rose blossoms are explored with great care, as are the delicate shadows cast on the neutral grounds. Each work demonstrates a delicacy of modeling and a controlled application of the watercolor medium in subtle patterns of hatching and stippling, lending an intensity to these small images that transcends the purely decorative.
MEDIUM Watercolor and graphite on paper
DATES 1864
DIMENSIONS 5 3/8 x 8 7/8 in. (13.7 x 22.5 cm)
SIGNATURE Signed and dated lower left in pencil: "H. Farrer.1864"
COLLECTIONS American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER 84.150.2
CREDIT LINE Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
RECORD COMPLETENESS
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