Docent’s Corner | George Willoughby Maynard
Image credit: George Willoughby Maynard (American, 1843-1923). Reading by the Fire, n.d.. Oil on board. On loan from the Alexander family.
The figure sits in magnificent solitude with her back to the viewer. With hands planted gently on the book in her lap she seems completely absorbed in no visible activity at all. There is no movement suggested, no dramatic contrast, no energetic lines to lead the eye through the painting. The setting is simple and the furnishings plain. Yet there is an entire world of feeling in the brushstrokes, a perception of quiet energy at work. Thus, we are ushered into the artist’s sense of restorative space.
It’s interesting to note that creating a vignette of comfortable refuge here is not without its challenges. The material surroundings present windowless high walls creating a narrow corner occupied by an unforgiving, cast-iron heat source. Yet the artist uses these austere conditions to create a momentary intimate world of personal, and even luxurious, accommodation. The over-scaled ceiling is visually lowered by the human-height wainscoting; hard surfaces are softened by highly sensual textures in the rug and blanket throw; ambient lighting is cozily dim while casting soft illumination on the open book. On the upholstered seating, the figure, clad in loose, soft folds, turns away from the room and into the corner, oblivious to all but the warmth and company of the small cheerful flame in the stove’s open firebox. The viewer is witness to a serenely private moment, tension eased, stimuli reduced, warmth and comfort apparent and complete.
“Reading by the Fire” is one of many exceptional and diverse paintings from the Alexander Welborn collection now being shown at BRAHM. I invite you to submerse yourself in this elegant exhibit of American Impressionist art. Among the rich blue walls of Rankin West, you will find a memorable, personal space of unique engagement and rejuvenation.
This Docent’s Corner is brought to you by Madge Megliola