Artwork Page for Fortune

Details / Information for Fortune

Fortune

1901

John La Farge

(American, 1835–1910)
Culture
America
Medium
graphite
Support
Cream(3) Japanese paper
Measurements
Sheet: 27.7 x 20 cm (10 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William G. Mather 1950.316
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

When commissioned in 1901 to make a stained glass window for the Frick office building in Pittsburgh, John La Farge produced this strange design of Fortune balancing precariously on a wheel—an emblem of the fickleness of fortune. The hazy, mysterious handling of the face of the central figure recalls contemporary French Symbolist painters such as Odilon Redon (1840–1916).
A vertically oriented graphite drawing on off-white paper depicts Fortune, a woman with light skin. She stands centered, arms extended and palms upturned, wearing a sleeveless gown. Her long, wavy hair billows into a hazy background. She balances atop a pedestal flanked by feathered wings spread horizontally. Soft, smudged shading defines her form and the ethereal atmosphere, while delicate, fine lines trace the cascading folds of her dress and the feathers' textures.

Fortune

1901

John La Farge

(American, 1835–1910)
America

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork