The artwork, “In Central Park, New York,” created by Maurice Prendergast around 1900-1901, is a fine example of Post-Impressionism rendered in pencil, watercolor, and paper. It measures 31.12 by 50.8 centimeters and belongs to the genre painting category. The masterpiece is housed at the Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, US.
This painting vividly captures an everyday scene in Central Park, featuring a crowd of people leisurely gathered around a fountain amidst tall, leafy trees. The vibrant use of watercolor helps convey the liveliness of the park, with figures dressed in colorful attire, seated on circular benches, and engaging in various activities. The central water fountain and surrounding natural elements add to the picturesque representation of urban life at the turn of the 20th century. The composition skillfully illustrates the social dynamic and serene ambiance of this public space, showcasing Prendergast’s adeptness in using color and forms to depict everyday moments.
