Handkerchief Point (Primary Title)
Maurice Brazil Prendergast, American, born Canada, 1858 – 1924 (Artist)
Prendergast’s picturesque images of genteel leisure captured a turn-of-the-century middle class rising on the tide of urban “progress.” Industrialization transformed domestic life for the educated elite, shuttling men from home to office, advancing household technologies, and proportionately increasing the opportunities for entertainment. Here, a vibrant palette of blues, sage, and white, highlighted by bold patches of red, enlivens a view of holidaymakers at the shore. Parasols shelter fair complexions from the day’s sun and errant sprays of salt water. Scenes of outdoor leisure became Prendergast’s favorite subjects. Characterized by a high horizon, complex surface patterns, and pure color, his paintings appear spontaneous when in fact they were orchestrated from sketches in his studio.
at lower left: Prendergast
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).
" A Private View: American Paintings from the Manoogian Collection," Yale University Art Gallery (11 September - 14 November 1993); Detroit Instiute of Arts (18 December 1993 - 6 March 1994); High Museum of Art, Atlanta (18 December 1993 - 6 March 1994).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
" A Private View: American Paintings from the Manoogian Collection," Yale University Art Gallery (11 September - 14 November 1993); Detroit Instiute of Arts (18 December 1993 - 6 March 1994); High Museum of Art, Atlanta (18 December 1993 - 6 March 1994).
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.
