Ideal Head of a Boy (George Spencer Fuller)

George Fuller

Created:
Movement:
1873
Tonalism
key Notes:
Romantic Realism, Ethereal Portraiture
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Dimensions:
27 1/4 x 22 in. (69.2 x 55.9 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Ideal Head of a Boy (George Spencer Fuller)" is a painting by American artist George Fuller, created circa 1867–73. The work exemplifies Fuller's interest in idealized forms and classical beauty, reflecting the influence of the academic tradition in 19th-century American art. The subject, George Spencer Fuller, was likely a relative or acquaintance of the artist, although specific details about the boy's identity remain unknown. Fuller's technique is characterized by a soft, atmospheric quality, achieved through his use of light and color. The painting is notable for its emotive expression and detailed rendering, which are hallmarks of Fuller's style. This work contributes to the understanding of Fuller's oeuvre, which often explored themes of innocence and youth. The painting is part of a broader context of American portraiture during this period, which sought to convey both individual character and idealized beauty. Further information about the painting's exhibition history or provenance is not readily available.

Description of the work:

"Ideal Head of a Boy (George Spencer Fuller)" by George Fuller, created circa 1867–73, is an oil on canvas painting that presents a youthful male subject with a serene expression. The composition focuses on the head and shoulders, emphasizing the boy's delicate features and soft skin tones. The use of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional effect, enhancing the lifelike quality of the subject. The background is rendered in muted tones, allowing the figure to stand out prominently. Fuller's brushwork is smooth and refined, contributing to the overall sense of idealization in the portrayal. The painting reflects the artist's interest in capturing innocence and beauty, characteristic of the period's aesthetic values.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Ideal Head of a Boy (George Spencer Fuller)