Flowers in Her Hair (Primary Title)
Julius LeBlanc Stewart, American, 1855 - 1919 (Artist)
This rectangular canvas features the partial image of a woman leaning against a dividing ledge. The warm brown eyes, slender nose, and complacent mouth of the well-articulated face register a calm serenity. Beyond the face, color loosely applied in general passages suggests hair and its crown of flowers. Farther back, invoking the influence of the art nouveau movement, the brushwork thins and relaxes before breaking down into a sweep of irregular brushstrokes. Despite this unfinished state, the painting features a bold, black signature. The unexpected addition signals a developing urge among modern artists to press for authority over determinations of finish. To this end, Stewart’s painting is a declaration of independence, his prominent signature his own John Hancock.
At lower right: "JL Stewart 1900"
James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
