And So He Rested on the Lonely Ground 1885

Will Hicock Low created this grisaille watercolor, "And So He Rested on the Lonely Ground," now at the Art Institute of Chicago. The subdued palette of greys and whites evokes a melancholic scene, dominated by the serene figure of a classical nude male. The composition unfolds in a structured manner, balancing the left side where the bust stands with the contemplative figure on the right. The delicate gradations in tone and the precise rendering of form reveal Low’s academic training, rooted in classical traditions. The lines are precise, and the forms are modeled with a sculptural clarity that emphasizes the ideal human form. Yet, the somber mood and the figure’s introspective pose suggest a deeper engagement with Symbolist ideas. Low masterfully combines formal precision with an exploration of inner states and the complex interplay between nature and the human spirit. This delicate balance invites reflection on the artwork's multiple layers of meaning.