The artwork titled “Fantasy” (also known as “Fantasy with Flowers, Animals and Houses”) was created by Maurice Prendergast between circa 1913 and circa 1915. As an example of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, this landscape artwork measures 36.83 by 46.99 centimeters and is presently housed in a private collection.
This vibrant and imaginative scene features a variety of whimsical elements. The artwork depicts a fanciful landscape replete with diverse characters, flora, and fauna combining harmoniously. The foreground is populated by figures engaging in leisurely activities such as reclining and interacting with animals, particularly donkeys. Central to the composition is a large, stylized tree, its foliage represented in a simplified yet visually engaging manner. Surrounding this focal point, buildings and natural elements invoke a dreamlike quality, further enhanced by the use of vivid, unblended colors and rhythmic, flowing lines. Prendergast’s naïve style imbues the landscape with a childlike charm and an otherworldly atmosphere, inviting viewers into a whimsical domain where everyday realities blend seamlessly with fantasy.
