Charles Webster Hawthorne (1872-1930), In the Atelier
Charles Webster Hawthorne (American, 1872-1930) In the Atelier Oil on canvas 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm) Signed upper left: CW Hawthorne Signed on the stretcher: CW Hawthorne / NY Property from the Collection of a Distinguished Academic Woman PROVENANCE: Collection of Mrs. Paul's Kitchen; Freeman's Auction, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 24, 2007, lot 77; Acquired by the present owner from the above. Charles Webster Hawthorne's In the Atelier is a striking example of the artist's academic training and his exceptional ability to capture the sensual idyll of the female form within a studio setting. Trained at the Art Students League of New York under William Merritt Chase, a proponent of Impressionism and the alla prima technique, Hawthorne was profoundly influenced by his mentor's approach to color and light. His education continued in the ateliers of Paris, where the rich academic tradition further honed his skills, particularly in figure painting. In In the Atelier, Hawthorne marries his academic training with a loose impressionistic style that brings life to the scene. The composition invites viewers into the intimacy of the artist's studio, a space often associated with creativity and the birth of ideas. The idyllic and sensual woman at the center of the canvas is rendered with a relaxed, naturalistic ease that belies the rigorous training Hawthorne underwent. Her languid pose and thoughtful expression suggest a moment of rest or contemplation, enveloped by the tools of the artist's trade—a guitar, paintbrushes, and palettes strewn casually around her. Hawthorne's use of thick, expressive brushstrokes and his control of lighting emphasize the texture of the fabrics and the softness of the subject's skin, infusing the painting with warmth and vitality. The deliberate placement of objects, including the ornate mirror and the painting within a painting, adds a layer of complexity, reflecting Hawthorne's understanding of composition and the narrative power of inanimate objects. The sensual repose of the woman, juxtaposed with the rich, dark tones of the background, creates a striking contrast that draws the viewer's attention to her form. Hawthorne's ability to create such a scene demonstrates not only technical prowess but also a sensitivity to the nuanced portrayal of his subject. Charles Webster Hawthorne's In the Atelier is a testament to his academic background, his influences, and his talent for depicting scenes of serene sensuality. Through this work, Hawthorne offers a glimpse into the world of the artist—where the beauty of the human form is celebrated within the sacred space of creation. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Condition Report: Lined canvas. Under UV exam, there appears to be small 1/2 inch dot of inpaint along the top center edge and a few dashes of inpaint in the figures head and background area above the figure's head. Faint stretcher bar lines visible. Faint upside down 'L' shape scratch approx 6 inches long in the upper left quadrant. Framed Dimensions 22.5 X 26.5 Inches
Bid on this lot
Charles Webster Hawthorne (American, 1872-1930) In the Atelier Oil on canvas 16 x 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm) Signed upper left: CW Hawthorne Signed on the stretcher: CW Hawthorne / NY Property from the Collection of a Distinguished Academic Woman PROVENANCE: Collection of Mrs. Paul's Kitchen; Freeman's Auction, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 24, 2007, lot 77; Acquired by the present owner from the above. Charles Webster Hawthorne's In the Atelier is a striking example of the artist's academic training and his exceptional ability to capture the sensual idyll of the female form within a studio setting. Trained at the Art Students League of New York under William Merritt Chase, a proponent of Impressionism and the alla prima technique, Hawthorne was profoundly influenced by his mentor's approach to color and light. His education continued in the ateliers of Paris, where the rich academic tradition further honed his skills, particularly in figure painting. In In the Atelier, Hawthorne marries his academic training with a loose impressionistic style that brings life to the scene. The composition invites viewers into the intimacy of the artist's studio, a space often associated with creativity and the birth of ideas. The idyllic and sensual woman at the center of the canvas is rendered with a relaxed, naturalistic ease that belies the rigorous training Hawthorne underwent. Her languid pose and thoughtful expression suggest a moment of rest or contemplation, enveloped by the tools of the artist's trade—a guitar, paintbrushes, and palettes strewn casually around her. Hawthorne's use of thick, expressive brushstrokes and his control of lighting emphasize the texture of the fabrics and the softness of the subject's skin, infusing the painting with warmth and vitality. The deliberate placement of objects, including the ornate mirror and the painting within a painting, adds a layer of complexity, reflecting Hawthorne's understanding of composition and the narrative power of inanimate objects. The sensual repose of the woman, juxtaposed with the rich, dark tones of the background, creates a striking contrast that draws the viewer's attention to her form. Hawthorne's ability to create such a scene demonstrates not only technical prowess but also a sensitivity to the nuanced portrayal of his subject. Charles Webster Hawthorne's In the Atelier is a testament to his academic background, his influences, and his talent for depicting scenes of serene sensuality. Through this work, Hawthorne offers a glimpse into the world of the artist—where the beauty of the human form is celebrated within the sacred space of creation. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Condition Report: Lined canvas. Under UV exam, there appears to be small 1/2 inch dot of inpaint along the top center edge and a few dashes of inpaint in the figures head and background area above the figure's head. Faint stretcher bar lines visible. Faint upside down 'L' shape scratch approx 6 inches long in the upper left quadrant. Framed Dimensions 22.5 X 26.5 Inches
