“Natatorium Undine,” created by Florine Stettheimer in 1927, is an oil painting that resides at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. This artwork is a representation of Naïve Art (Primitivism) and Expressionism, falling under the genre of genre painting.
The artwork depicts a whimsical scene filled with vibrant and fluid figures engaging in various activities around and in what appears to be a fantastical swimming pool setting. The central area of the composition is dominated by a large, circular pool, with figures positioned at its edges and within its waters. The scene is filled with an array of lively characters, each adorned in imaginative costumes and interacting with one another in dynamic and spirited manners. The light pastel colors coupled with playful lines give the artwork an ethereal and dreamlike quality. This imaginative setting, combined with the delicate interplay of colors and forms, showcases Stettheimer’s unique and expressive style, encapsulating the essence of early 20th century Naïve and Expressionist art movements.
