Symphony in Green and Gold 1900

Thomas Wilmer Dewing created Symphony in Green and Gold, using oil paint applied with brushes. The texture ranges from smooth to slightly coarse, allowing Dewing to blend colors and create soft, hazy effects, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise location or time period. Dewing skillfully manipulated the viscosity of oil paint to capture the reflective quality of light on the woman's dress. The painting's material qualities suggest a world of leisure and artistic expression, a departure from industrial modes of production. Dewing’s attention to detail and use of traditional techniques reflect the values of a society where art was a valued form of cultural expression. By focusing on materials, making processes, and cultural context, we recognize the value of artworks like Symphony in Green and Gold.