The Nymph 1936

Ethel Léontine Gabain's painting, titled 'The Nymph', seems to be an exercise in creating a composition through colour. The overall feeling is one of softness. Look at the way Gabain uses these light, almost pastel shades, to build up the form of the figure. The paint itself looks quite fluid, not too thick, allowing the colours to blend and merge. This gives the painting a dreamlike quality. The whole surface is worked, dabbed, and layered. Take a look at the flowers that adorn the figure. They’re not just decorative; they seem to be integral to the nymph's very being, emerging organically from the woman’s form. There’s an ease with which Gabain captures the human form, similar to Pierre Bonnard. Both embrace the fluidity of paint to capture fleeting moments and impressions of daily life. Ultimately, it’s up to us to piece together the narrative and meaning from what’s on display.