The Old Hunter 1924

Algernon Talmage’s "The Old Hunter" feels very much like an impression captured on the fly. The palette is grounded in earthy greens and browns, but there's a brightness in the sun dappled grass that elevates the scene. Look at the horse in the center - its coat is rendered with such visible brushstrokes. It makes me think about the action of painting itself, the way each stroke contributes to the overall form, and yet retains its individual identity. The woman in the painting, her stance, the way she holds the reins, there's a sense of quiet confidence in her pose. And the horses! They're not just static objects, but full of life. Talmage has an interesting relationship to the work of Degas, in terms of capturing fleeting moments, but he's really doing his own thing. He's not afraid to let the paint do its thing.