Studies for Emerson’s 'The Sphynx' (1862)

This page presents "Studies for Emerson’s 'The Sphynx'" (1862), created by John La Farge. Historical background, 1862: Japanese prints reached Europe in large numbers and influenced many artists, while photography changed what painting needed to do. In the 1890s, colour lithography and Art Nouveau made the illustrated poster a celebrated art form. Drawings, a short history: Because line carries so much of the effect, drawings tend to reward close looking at the quality of the mark. Artists have long used drawings to plan paintings, sculptures, and buildings, so a sketch can show how an idea developed. The catalogue places it in Drawings. The format is landscape.

"Studies for Emerson’s 'The Sphynx'" is offered as a printable file (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI) rather than a shipped item. You receive the files by email after payment and handle printing yourself, which gives you full control over paper, size, and finish. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Measuring the wall before choosing a size is the simplest way to avoid a print that feels too small or too large. Screens and printers render colour differently, so a small test print is a sensible way to check tones before committing to a large size. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour.

American, 1835–1910

If you like the visual language of John La Farge, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.