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Frieseke is known for his juxtaposition of varied colors and patterns.

Here floral motifs and stripes are combined with the freely brushed design of the lingerie.

The solid blue carpet, brown floor and white window frame act as foils for the patterned interior.

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Frederick Carl Frieseke

The Robe, 1915

oil on canvas

32 x 25 ¾ in.

Gift of W. J. Holliday, Sr.

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Frieseke was born in Michigan but spent most of his time in France. He studied in more conservative Parisian academies before turning to the Impressionist idiom and devoting his summers to painting at Giverny, France. His garden villa at Giverny is the setting for most of his work. Frieseke was the leader of the Giverny Group, which included American Impressionists who painted near the home of the great French Impressionist Claude Monet. For many years Frieseke painted intimate scenes of women seated in gardens or sun rooms with contrasting light. The figures are not portraits but were regarded as decorative incidents of color compositions. According to Frieseke’s own statement, he did not make sketches before painting, but took the inspiration for his canvas straight from nature.

Painted five years after Afternoon- Yellow Room, The Robe is less sun-drenched but still exhibits the strong patterning that defines Frieseke’s work. Here floral motifs and stripes are combined with the free brushed design of the lingerie. The solid blue carpet, brown floor and white window frame act as foils for the patterned interior.

Reference  

Nicholas Kilmer, David Sellin, Barbara H. Weinberg, Virginia M. Mecklenberg. Frederick Carl Frieseke: The Evolution of an American Impressionist, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2001. ISBN-13: 978-0691089225