With Mother, 1895

Anders Zorn was one of many Scandinavian artists who settled in Paris in the late 1880s. While there he was influenced by Impressionism. Zorn started his career painting in watercolours and this can still be seen some time later in his broad virtuoso painting technique. He became internationally famous for his portraits, domestic scenes and nudes. What was new for that period was the fact that he painted nudes not only in his studio but also out of doors. Here we see a mother bending over her child as it fearfully takes its first shaky steps in the sea. We are struck by the sensuality of the painted figures. Using a forceful but flowing brushstroke and rhythmic alternation between blue to pink, Zorn manages to depict the undulating movement of the water.