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Will BarnetThe Rattle1984
1984
$7,500
£5,795.05
€6,699.63
CA$10,598.04
A$11,886.41
CHF 6,224.73
MX$144,431.46
NOK 79,043.63
SEK 74,938.93
DKK 50,009.20
About the Item
Oil and charcoal on canvas, 1984. 1220x790 mm; 48x31 inches. Signed and dated in charcoal, upper right recto.
Provenance: Babcock Galleries, New York, with the label; estate of the artist.
The current work on canvas is of Barnet's (1911-2012) grandchild Todd Randall Barnet and his father Norman husband to her daughter Ona.
Will Barnet's painting "The Rattle" is a rich tapestry of emotion and connection, perfectly encapsulating the themes that permeate his body of work. The vertical composition of the piece immediately draws the viewer's eye into the intimate embrace between father and child. The child's elevation on the father's shoulders is not just a playful moment but a powerful symbol of support and intergenerational connection—highlighting Barnet's perennial interest in exploring family dynamics.
The style of the painting, with its bold outlines created through a combination of oil and charcoal, reflects Barnet's mastery in handling different mediums to evoke texture and form. The muted color palette, with its subtle grays, blacks, and whites, creates a soothing atmosphere, consistent with Barnet’s stylistic choices during this period. This restrained use of color allows the expressions and forms to take center stage, encouraging the viewer to focus on the emotional undercurrents of the scene.
Equally compelling is the composition's triangular structure. The shoulders of the father form a strong base, symbolizing a stable foundation, while the child's head and the raised arm with the rattle form the apex. This triangle not only ensures visual harmony but also reinforces the themes of balance and connection inherent in the painting. By directing the viewer’s gaze upwards, it emphasizes the lively interplay between the figures and underscores the protective and nurturing role of the father.
The expressions on both faces add depth to this narrative. The father’s calm demeanor complements the playful nature of the child, who holds a rattle—an emblem of childhood innocence. This interplay offers a window into the dance between stability and youthfulness, highlighting the nurturing relationship between them. The title "The Rattle" is significant, focusing on the child’s toy, a symbol of joy and simplicity, and reflecting the heartbeat of familial relationships that Barnet so often explored.
In essence, "The Rattle" stands as a serene portrayal of familial bonds within Barnet’s oeuvre. By capturing the essence of human relationships through minimalism and structure, the painting manifests his profound understanding of everyday life’s poetic nature. The triangular composition, along with the subtle use of color and form, enriches this depiction, offering a timeless perspective on connection and continuity across generations.
- Creator:Will Barnet (1911, American)
- Creation Year:1984
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 31 in (78.74 cm)
- More Editions & Sizes:UniquePrice: $7,500
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2836215958832
Will Barnet
At the beginning of his career, Will Barnet was known for his figural depictions of domestic scenes. But, as he continued to stylistically develop, Barnet arrived at abstract geometric paintings far removed from his original career. A part of the Indian Space Painters group, Barnet was inspired by Native American art in creating these divergent images. Throughout his career, Barnet oscillated between representational and abstract paintings, never fully settling on one. He has received the National Medal of Arts in 2011, and his work has been displayed at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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