The artwork titled “The Mall, Central Park” (also known as “Steps, Central Park” or “The Terrace Bridge, Central Park”) was created by Maurice Prendergast in 1901. This cityscape, rendered in pencil and watercolor on paper, belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 38.74 by 57.15 cm, and it is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL, US.
The artwork depicts a bustling scene in Central Park, with numerous individuals, elegantly dressed, ascending and descending a grand staircase. The colors are vibrant, and the overall atmosphere is lively and dynamic. The detailed architecture of the staircase, combined with the lush greenery in the background, captures a moment of leisurely activity and social interaction, characteristic of early 20th-century urban life. The use of watercolors adds a soft, fluid quality to the forms and figures, enhancing the sense of movement and vitality in the scene.
