The annual scatter 1911

Louis Glackens made this around the turn of the 20th century. The jester's scattering something. What is it? Is it wealth, poverty, or just plain mischief? I feel a little sorry for him—or maybe it’s her. Imagine the artist's mind at work; how many layers of intention or accident are piled into this painting? What were they thinking as they layered the image? I wonder if Glackens was inspired by Daumier, who took on corrupt politicians and other powerful figures of his time, making them the target of his drawings. What did the artist mean by creating the character of this prankster? Was it a comment on society? I want to pick it apart! But maybe that’s not the point. Maybe the point is to let it sit and to let it mess with me a little. Ultimately, painting is like any other form of human expression—it’s about creating a shared language and experience of life!