Paper

Student Artwork Guide

At The Window

Name Class Date

alfred henry maurer, At The Window (1900). Public domain.

The facts

Artist
alfred henry maurer originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/alfred-henry-maurer/
Artist’s dates
1868 – 1932
Painted
1900
Original size
61 x 50 cm

In context

At The Window — alfred henry maurer

How big is it?

The original measures 61 × 50 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920
  8. 1930

Shaded: the lifetime of alfred henry maurer (1868–1932) ▲ this work, 1900

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Espresso #382c19

    Catalogued palette

    • #382C19
    • #20180E
    • #9E854E
    • #6E5B31
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Espresso
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Balanced How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    At The Window — alfred henry maurer

    The painting At The Window by Alfred Henry Maurer is a stunning example of American modernism, showcasing the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1900, this oil on canvas piece measures 61 x 50 cm and is a beautiful representation of a woman sitting in a chair by the window.

    The Artist and His Style

    Alfred Henry Maurer was an American modernist painter who exhibited his work in avant-garde circles internationally and in New York City during the early twentieth century. His style was influenced by the work of James Abbott McNeill Whistler and the Fauves, which is evident in his use of bold colors and geometric shapes.

    The Painting

    The painting At The Window features a woman sitting in a chair by the window, looking out with her head tilted downwards. The room she is in has a couch located behind her and another one further back, as well as a dining table nearby. A vase can be seen on the table, adding an element of decoration to the room. The use of light and shadow in the painting creates a sense of depth and intimacy. Key Features:

    The painting is an oil on canvas, measuring 61 x 50 cm

    It was created in 1900 by Alfred Henry Maurer

    The painting features a woman sitting in a chair by the window

    The room is decorated with a couch, dining table, and vase

    Similar Paintings

    Other notable paintings by Alfred Henry Maurer include Landscape and La Bal Bullier, which can be found on https://AllPaintingsStore.com. The Smith College Museum of Art also features some of his works. For more information on the artist and his style, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Henry_Maurer.

    The painting At The Window by Alfred Henry Maurer is a beautiful example of American modernism, showcasing the artist's unique style and technique. Its use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and intimacy, making it a captivating piece for art lovers.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    alfred henry maurer

    Born in New York City, United States of America

    Alfred Henry Maurer: A Life in Modern Art

    Early Life and Training

    Born: April 21, 1868, New York City, United States of America.

    Maurer’s early life was marked by a familial tension regarding art. His father disapproved of modern artistic expression, ironically fueling Alfred's passion.

    At the age of sixteen, he left school to work in his father’s lithographic firm, gaining practical experience but yearning for more creative pursuits.

    Self-Portrait from his early Parisian period reflects a youthful optimism and burgeoning artistic confidence.

    Parisian Influences and Artistic Breakthrough

    In 1897, Maurer embarked on a pivotal journey to Paris, where he spent four years immersed in the vibrant art scene.

    He joined a community of American and French artists, absorbing new ideas and experimenting with different styles.

    An Arrangement, completed around 1901, proved to be a turning point. It garnered first prize at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition, establishing Maurer as a rising talent.

    Shifting Styles and Challenges

    Following his initial success, Maurer’s artistic direction evolved significantly. Influenced by figures like Gertrude and Leo Stein, he began to explore Cubist and Fauvist aesthetics.

    This stylistic shift proved controversial. While embracing the avant-garde, Maurer faced a decline in international recognition and commercial viability.

    He struggled with paternal disapproval throughout his life, adding to the pressures of navigating a changing art world.

    Key Achievements and Recognition

    Maurer participated in landmark exhibitions that defined the American Modernist movement:

    1913 Armory Show: A pivotal moment showcasing radical new art to an American audience.

    “The Forum Exhibition of Modern American Painters” (1916): Further solidifying his place within the modernist landscape.

    1919: Elected Director of the Society of Independent Artists, demonstrating his commitment to artistic freedom and innovation.

    Later Life and Legacy

    Despite his contributions, Maurer faced continued financial hardship and critical challenges.

    Sadly, he died by suicide on August 4, 1932, at the age of 64 – a tragic end to a turbulent life.

    However, Maurer’s legacy has endured. His work is now featured in numerous exhibitions and collections, including those at the Museum of Art New Orleans.

    His paintings serve as important examples of early American Modernism, bridging European avant-garde movements with a uniquely American sensibility.

    Historical Significance

    Alfred Henry Maurer represents the struggles and triumphs of artists who dared to challenge convention.

    His willingness to experiment with new styles, despite facing criticism and financial difficulties, paved the way for future generations of American Modernists.

    Maurer’s work continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of artistic freedom and the enduring power of innovation.

    Where to read more

    • The artist alfred henry maurer originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/alfred-henry-maurer/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for At The Window

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    maurer, alfred henry. At The Window. 1900, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/
    APA
    maurer, alfred henry (1900). At The Window [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/
    Chicago
    alfred henry maurer. At The Window. 1900. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/
    Harvard
    maurer, alfred henry (1900) At The Window. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/alfred-henry-maurer-at-the-window-AS7STP-en/

    Look closely

    At The Window — alfred henry maurer

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Still Life with Pears (1930), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. alfred henry maurer was about 32 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.