Meditation

Herman Hartwich, Meditation, 1885, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Emily Dorothy Ammann, 1965.14.9
Copied Herman Hartwich, Meditation, 1885, oil on canvas, 11 1⁄8 x 8 3⁄4 in. (28.4 x 22.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Emily Dorothy Ammann, 1965.14.9
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Artwork Details

Title
Meditation
Artist
Date
1885
Location
Dimensions
11 1⁄8 x 8 3⁄4 in. (28.4 x 22.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Dorothy Ammann
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — monkey
Object Number
1965.14.9

Artwork Description

According to an inscription, this painting shows a monkey named Chico that lived in Herman Hartwich's studio. The artist had just punished him for behaving badly, which probably explains the creature's downcast expression. The rough outlines and unfinished edges suggest that Hartwich painted this piece quickly, perhaps because the monkey did not stay still for very long.