Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. George Grey Barnard died in 1938; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2008.
In context
Therefore — George Grey Barnard
The original measures 35 × 25 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 75 at death.
Painted when the artist was 61. The artist lived to 75. 8 of the 13 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of George Grey Barnard (1863–1938) ▲ this work, 1924 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1910 Main working years: 1910–1925 Late works: from 1925
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/george-grey-barnard-therefore-AQU2TF-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #f4eed0
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 50 works by this artist, of which 14 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 8 of them, with 5.3% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Therefore — George Grey Barnard
The painting Therefore by George Grey Barnard is a thought-provoking artwork that showcases the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1924, this pencil drawing is a significant piece in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Measuring 35 x 25 cm, the painting features a man with horns sitting on the ground, surrounded by other figures and elements that contribute to its dark and mysterious atmosphere.
George Grey Barnard was an American artist known for his sculptures and drawings. Born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, he began his art studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and later moved to France to study at the École des Beaux Arts. His work was heavily influenced by French master Auguste Rodin, and he primarily worked with stone to create sculptures that signified themes such as love and the relationship between nature and humankind.
The painting Therefore is characterized by its intricate lines and shading, which create a sense of depth and dimension. The man's horns are prominently featured, adding to his demonic appearance. The surrounding figures and elements, including two birds, contribute to the overall dark and mysterious atmosphere of the piece.
The use of pencil as the primary medium adds a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the painting.
The artist's attention to detail is evident in the intricate lines and shading that create a sense of texture and depth.
The painting's themes of darkness and mystery are reminiscent of other works by George Grey Barnard, such as The Mystery of Life.
Handmade oil paintings reproductions of Therefore can be found on https://AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of this captivating painting. For more information on George Grey Barnard and his works, visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum or explore the collection on /art/list/?Filter=AQU2TF-George-Grey-Barnard-Therefore.
The painting Therefore is a significant piece in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and its unique style and technique make it a must-see for art enthusiasts. With its dark and mysterious atmosphere, intricate lines, and shading, this painting is sure to captivate audiences and inspire new perspectives on the artist's work.
Artist and museum
Born in Bellefonte, United States of America
George Grey Barnard, born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, in 1863, was an American sculptor whose career unfolded against a backdrop of shifting artistic tides and burgeoning national identity. His life story is one of relentless pursuit – a journey from the rural landscapes of his youth to the hallowed halls of Parisian art academies, and ultimately, to establishing himself as a pivotal figure in American sculpture. The son of a Presbyterian minister, Barnard’s early years were marked by frequent relocation across Illinois, yet it was within this itinerant existence that an artistic sensibility began to blossom. He initially honed his skills at the Art Institute of Chicago under Leonard Volk, demonstrating an innate talent for modeling and form – a foundation upon which he would build a remarkable career. This initial spark propelled him towards Paris in 1883, where he immersed himself in the rigorous training of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, working within the atelier of Pierre-Jules Cavelier. Twelve years spent absorbing classical techniques and engaging with the vibrant artistic community of France proved transformative, culminating in a triumphant debut at the Salon of 1894.
Barnard’s artistic development was profoundly shaped by his exposure to Auguste Rodin, whose influence is readily apparent in his early explorations of the human form and emotional depth. However, Barnard wasn't merely an imitator; he quickly forged his own distinct path, developing a symbolic language that delved into the complexities of the human condition. His major works are characterized by their allegorical nature, grappling with themes of duality, inner struggle, and the inherent contradictions within us all. Struggle of the Two Natures in Man (1894), exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a pivotal example – a powerful depiction of opposing forces locked in eternal conflict. This piece, along with subsequent sculptures like The Hewer (1902) and Rose Maiden (c. 1902), showcased his mastery of capturing both physical strength and delicate grace. Great God Pan (1899), initially met with controversy due to its depiction of nudity, eventually found a home at Columbia University, further cementing Barnard’s reputation as an artist unafraid to challenge conventional norms. Maidenhood(1896) is known for its simplicity and elegance.
The turn of the century brought with it a monumental commission that would define a significant chapter in Barnard’s career: the creation of over sixty sculptures for the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg between 1902 and 1910. This ambitious project, representing scenes from human history, demanded immense skill and dedication, yet also presented considerable financial challenges. Despite these hurdles, Barnard persevered, leaving an indelible mark on the capitol building with his intricate and evocative figures. His ability to translate grand historical narratives into tangible form solidified his position as one of America’s leading sculptors. Later, in 1917, he undertook another ambitious project – a larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln. This portrayal sparked debate due to its unconventional approach, diverging from traditional heroic representations; nevertheless, it remains a potent symbol of the president's character and has been cast in multiple locations including Cincinnati, Manchester (England), and Louisville (Kentucky).
Beyond his work as a sculptor, George Grey Barnard possessed a deep passion for medieval art. He became an avid collector of architectural fragments, traveling through French villages before World War I to acquire these remnants of the past. This collection wasn't merely a personal indulgence; it was driven by a desire to preserve and share the beauty of this often-overlooked artistic heritage. In 1925, his extensive holdings were purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr., forming the core of what would become The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval art and architecture. This act stands as a testament to Barnard’s vision and enduring impact on cultural preservation. Barnard's contribution to American sculpture is significant, bridging European traditions with a uniquely American aesthetic sensibility. He challenged artistic norms, embraced symbolism, and left behind a body of work that continues to inspire and provoke thought. His legacy extends beyond his sculptures; it lives on in the tranquil halls of The Cloisters, where fragments of the past are brought to life for generations to come.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/george-grey-barnard-therefore-AQU2TF-en/
Look closely
Therefore — George Grey Barnard
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Therefore" is defined by a neutrals palette led by putty (#f4eed0).
"Therefore" dates from 1924. The date places the work within George Grey Barnard's career and its era.
The colors of "Therefore" by George Grey Barnard show a balanced soft saturation with a vivid intensity.