Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Fields

Name Class Date

Kenyon Cox, Fields (1885). Public domain.

The facts

Artist
Kenyon Cox wikioo.org/en/artists/kenyon-cox/
Artist’s dates
1856 – 1919
Painted
1885

In context

Fields — Kenyon Cox

When was this painted?

  1. 1850
  2. 1860
  3. 1870
  4. 1880
  5. 1890
  6. 1900
  7. 1910

Shaded: the lifetime of Kenyon Cox (1856–1919) ▲ this work, 1885

Compare with

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: wikioo.org/en/art/similar/kenyon-cox-fields-AQRBUC-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Driftwood #ab8767

    Catalogued palette

    • #AB8767
    • #2F2017
    • #593721
    • #9F7A57
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Driftwood
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    Fields — Kenyon Cox

    The painting Fields by Kenyon Cox is a beautiful landscape that showcases the artist's ability to capture the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the natural world. Created in 1885, this oil on panel painting is a stunning example of American Academic Classical art. The Chrysler Museum of Art in the United States is proud to have this piece in its collection.

    The Artist's Inspiration

    Kenyon Cox was an American artist who studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later in Paris with the famed French artist, Gérôme, at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. His experiences and training are reflected in his work, which often features classical and Renaissance influences. The painting Fields is a testament to his skill in capturing the beauty of the natural world.

    The Painting's Details

    The painting Fields depicts a serene landscape with a field, trees, and a cloudy sky. The sun appears to be setting behind the clouds, casting a warm glow over the entire scene. The use of oil on panel allows for a level of detail and texture that brings the painting to life. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, adding to the overall sense of movement and energy in the piece.

    The painting measures 15 x 18 inches, making it an intimate and personal work.

    The Chrysler Museum of Art has a rich collection of American art, including works by Kenyon Cox.

    AllPaintingsStore.com offers high-quality, handmade oil painting reproductions of Fields and other works by Kenyon Cox.

    Visit https://en.AllPaintingsStore.com/@/Kenyon-Cox to explore more artworks by Kenyon Cox and order a reproduction of your favorite piece. Learn more about the artist and his work on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenyon_Cox

    The painting Fields by Kenyon Cox is a beautiful example of American Academic Classical art, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the natural world. With its stunning use of color and composition, this piece is a must-see for anyone interested in art and nature.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Kenyon Cox

    Kenyon Cox: Life and Legacy

    Early Life and Education

    Born: October 27, 1856, in Warren, Ohio.

    Parents: Jacob Dolson Cox and Helen Finney Cox.

    Kenyon Cox initially studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati (formerly the McMicken School of Art). However, he quickly recognized the limited artistic opportunities available in the city.

    Following a visit to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, he decided to pursue further education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, hoping it would lead to studies in Europe.

    Parisian Training and Influences

    In 1877, Cox moved to Paris, joining a wave of American artists seeking artistic inspiration. He believed Paris was experiencing a “second renaissance” in art.

    Influential Teachers: Carolus-Duran, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and Alexandre Cabanel at the École des Beaux-Arts.

    He initially studied under Carolus-Duran but became frustrated with what he perceived as a “vulgarity” in Duran’s style.

    Travels throughout France and Italy exposed him to the works of Renaissance masters, profoundly shaping his artistic vision.

    Career in New York and Artistic Style

    In 1882, Cox returned to New York City, where he established himself as a painter and illustrator.

    Illustration Work: He became well-known for his magazine illustrations, which reached a wider audience than his paintings.

    Art Criticism: Cox also wrote unsigned art criticisms for the New York Evening Post, supplementing his income.

    His artistic style leaned towards realism, with a focus on landscapes, portraits, and genre studies. He was known for idealized nudes and traditional treatments of classical themes.

    Teaching and Institutional Involvement

    Art Students League of New York: Cox became a highly influential instructor at the Art Students League, shaping generations of artists. He designed the League’s logo featuring the motto “Nulla Dies Sine Linea” (No Day Without a Line).

    Elected an Associate Academician of the National Academy of Design in 1900 and a full Academician in 1903.

    Founding Member: He was one of the founders and secretary of the National Free Arts League.

    Leadership Roles: Served as president of the National Society of Mural Painters from 1915 to 1919, and held memberships in various prestigious art organizations.

    Major Achievements and Historical Significance

    Cox’s work represented a commitment to classical ideals at a time when modern art movements were emerging. He advocated for careful drawing, modulated color, and the use of allegory and symbolism.

    His writings, such as “Two Ways of Painting,” articulated his views on figurative art versus abstract or representational styles.

    Legacy: Though not a radical innovator, Kenyon Cox played a crucial role in maintaining traditional artistic standards and educating aspiring artists. His influence extended through his teaching and his contributions to the American art establishment.

    Death: March 17, 1919.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Fields

    wikioo.org/en/art/download/kenyon-cox-fields-AQRBUC-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Cox, Kenyon. Fields. 1885, https://wikioo.org/en/art/kenyon-cox-fields-AQRBUC-en/
    APA
    Cox, Kenyon (1885). Fields [Painting]. https://wikioo.org/en/art/kenyon-cox-fields-AQRBUC-en/
    Chicago
    Kenyon Cox. Fields. 1885. https://wikioo.org/en/art/kenyon-cox-fields-AQRBUC-en/
    Harvard
    Cox, Kenyon (1885) Fields. Available at: https://wikioo.org/en/art/kenyon-cox-fields-AQRBUC-en/

    Look closely

    Fields — Kenyon Cox

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1908), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Kenyon Cox was about 29 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.