The Bathers Possibly 1651 - 1906
donaldshawmaclaughlan
theartinstituteofchicago
drawing, print, etching, paper
drawing
toned paper
light pencil work
etching
pencil sketch
paper
personal sketchbook
ink drawing experimentation
pen-ink sketch
united-states
sketchbook drawing
watercolour illustration
sketchbook art
watercolor
Donald Shaw MacLaughlan's "The Bathers" is an etching depicting four figures in a wooded setting. The figures, rendered in a simple, gestural style, are likely bathers, suggesting an outdoor scene where people are relaxing and enjoying the natural world. The composition, featuring a loose arrangement of figures and foliage, gives a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. The artist’s use of subtle line work contributes to the drawing's tranquil atmosphere. The etching is a prime example of MacLaughlan’s signature style, showcasing his ability to capture fleeting moments and the beauty of everyday life.
Comments
The openness of this etched composition suggests that Rembrandt perhaps drew on a prepared copperplate on the spot. The bathers in the landscape are rendered with just a few lines and very little detail. The swiftness with which this was executed resulted in some imperfections; the proper right hand of the man just emerging from the water, for instance, is extremely large.
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