Carnations
Artist
Charles Ethan Porter
American, 1847–1923
Dateby 1887
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 28.3 × 28.3 cm (11 1/8 × 11 1/8 in.)
framed: 34.3 × 34.3 × 3.2 cm (13 1/2 × 13 1/2 × 1 1/4 in.)
framed: 34.3 × 34.3 × 3.2 cm (13 1/2 × 13 1/2 × 1 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Martha E. Simmons, in memory of Ernest C. and Laura B. Saeger Wignall
Object number2023.15
Label TextIn 1869, Porter became the first African American admitted to the Natinal Academy of Design, the nation's premier art school. He established a studio in Hartford, Connecticut, and used the earnings from his early sales to fund additional study in Paris. Throughout his career, Porter specialized in still-life paintings. Carnations shows his skill at differentiating textures such as velvety petals and smooth glass, while the more loosely brushed Still-Life with Apples and Grapes highlights his sensitive handling of colors.As a Black artist at a time when few had professional opportunities, Porter felt a responsibility to serve as a role model, writing:
"...the colored people—my people—as a race I am interested in, and my success will only add to other who have already shown wherein they are capable the same as other men."
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 3003
