The artwork, titled “In the Library (also known as Three School Girls)” and created by Maurice Prendergast, dates between circa 1902 and circa 1906. This piece, crafted using oil on panel, aligns with the Post-Impressionist movement. The genre of this portrait measures 27.94 x 38.1 cm and is currently housed in a private collection.
“In the Library” depicts three young girls engrossed in reading books within what appears to be a library setting. The composition is rendered in a warm palette dominated by earthy browns and reds. The girl on the left, partially visible, is absorbed in her reading. The central figure, adorned with a large bow, shows intense concentration as she navigates through her book. The girl on the right, resting her head on her hand, seems deep in thought as she reads. The background hints at shelves filled with books, providing context to the library environment. Prendergast’s brushwork is characterized by its loose yet deliberate strokes, capturing the essence of the scene in a fluid and expressive manner, representative of the Post-Impressionist style.
