Nocturne 1882 - 1885

John La Farge created this watercolor "Nocturne," held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with dimensions of approximately 8 by 7 inches. The painting presents a harmony of blues, where the artist uses soft, blended strokes to build layers of colour, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. A morning glory dominates the composition, its petals unfurling with subtle gradations of purples and whites that capture light and shadow. The plant's sinuous stem and leaves introduce a dynamic, organic contrast to the more diffuse background. La Farge's approach here mirrors the aesthetic concerns of his era, reflecting an interest in capturing fleeting moments of natural beauty through a careful study of light and colour. There is a palpable sense of transient beauty, the flower seemingly caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. It is an image of serenity, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the delicate interplay between form and colour.