Children on a Raft 1896

Maurice Prendergast created "Children on a Raft" using watercolor and graphite on paper. Prendergast's distinctive style is defined by his broken brushstrokes and vibrant colors. He applied loose washes of watercolor to capture the essence of a summer day at the beach. The rough texture of the paper adds a tactile dimension to the scene, evoking the feeling of sand and water. The labor involved in this piece lies in Prendergast's skilled manipulation of the watercolor medium, blending colors and creating depth with thin washes and quick strokes. While not overtly political, the image speaks to the leisure and carefree enjoyment of childhood, made possible by a certain level of economic stability. This focus on everyday life aligns Prendergast with a broader artistic movement emphasizing the beauty of ordinary moments, and the pleasures of modernity. By embracing watercolor, a medium often associated with spontaneity, Prendergast challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, elevating the everyday to the level of high art.