“Fantasy (also known as Landscape with Figures),” created by Maurice Prendergast around 1914 to 1915, is an oil painting on canvas that measures 56.2 by 80.33 centimeters. Made during the Post-Impressionist movement, this genre painting is currently housed in the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork presents a vibrant and enchanting scene rich with figures immersed in various activities within a lush, idyllic landscape. The composition follows Prendergast’s distinctive style, marked by bold, decorative patterns and a profusion of color. The landscape depicted includes verdant trees and a body of water, possibly a lake or seaside, with boats visible in the distance. People, dressed in bright, patterned clothing, are seen in motion, engaged in leisure activities such as walking, conversing, and riding horses. The figures’ simplified forms and the mosaic-like application of paint contribute to the painting’s dynamic and textured surface, underscoring the festive and leisurely atmosphere of the scene. Prendergast’s application of varied dots of color exemplifies the principles of Post-Impressionism, focusing on vivid colors and expressive brushwork.
