Artwork of the Week: December 29
Anonymous- North America (After Sargent), The Family Group, c. 1900, gouache, 22 15/16 x 16 15/16 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Damitz, 1974.
The warm resonance of carols, a candle-lit tree, and hints of holly imbue this work with nostalgic charm. Family members—both young and old—gather around the piano to share a moment of festive joy. The children, having left their new toys on the floor behind them, join in with others. While all are enchanted by the carol, the elderly man wipes his tears, overcome with love and gratitude for the fleeting moment. The quick, impressionistic brushstrokes evoke the ephemerality of these precious holiday moments which, although they will come to an end, will live on in our memories forever.
Guest written by Curatorial Fellow Allie Sena.
