Emma Zorn Reading

1887

Oil on canvas

In the winter of 1887–88, Anders and Emma Zorn stayed in the small fishing village of St Ives in southeastern England. It was there, Zorn began to paint in oils, perhaps inspired by colleagues in the international artists’ colony based in the village. In Emma Zorn reading, he lovingly portrays his wife as he often saw her, concentrating in a slightly short-sighted manner on a book or as seen here, a newspaper. In true Renaissance tradition, he has printed on top of the picture AETATIS SUAE 27 (her age 27). During the next few years, Zorn alternated between watercolor and oil painting, until he switched completely to oil.