The artwork titled “Red and Black: The Fan,” created by James McNeill Whistler between 1891 and 1894, is an oil on canvas painting that belongs to the Impressionism movement. Measuring 89.8 cm by 187.4 cm, it is a portrait genre piece.
The artwork showcases a female figure clad in a flowing, bright red garment with accents of black. The subject stands against a subdued, almost monochromatic background, which makes the crimson tone of her attire the focal point of the composition. She holds what appears to be a fan in her right hand, which, along with the feather in her hat, adds an element of elegance and demureness. The figure’s facial expression is rendered with a softness that is characteristic of impressionist techniques, and her countenance bears a reflective yet distant gaze, implying a moment of introspection or detachment. The brushstrokes manifest a decidedly impressionistic style, with loose and fluid application, suggestive of movement and life beyond the static nature of the painting. The artist has strikingly conveyed the interplay of light and shadow through the contrasting hues of red and black, thus bringing out the textures of the dress and the delicacy of the accessory. Overall, “Red and Black: The Fan” stands as a testament to Whistler’s expertise in capturing the fleeting effects of light and color, as well as his ability to infuse his subjects with a sense of poise and quietude.
