Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Alfred Henry Maurer died in 1932; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2002.
In context
Two Sisters — Alfred Henry Maurer
The original measures 76 × 50 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 64 at death.
Painted when the artist was 56. The artist lived to 64. 121 of the 207 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Alfred Henry Maurer (1868–1932) ▲ this work, 1924 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1907 Main working years: 1907–1927 Late works: from 1927
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
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-two-sisters-AS7STD-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Driftwood #b7a75c
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 37.2% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 246 works by this artist, of which 94 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 5 of them, with 2.2% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in New York City, United States of America
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Look closely
Two Sisters — Alfred Henry Maurer
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
You can order a hand-painted reproduction of "Two Sisters" by Alfred Henry Maurer directly on its Hand-Painted Reproduction page: a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas, made to order.
A print of "Two Sisters" by Alfred Henry Maurer can be ordered directly on its Fine Art Print page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.
Works similar to "Two Sisters" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.