An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of John Scott Bradstreetc. 1890
Artist: Douglas Volk; Depicted: John S. Bradstreet
American, 1856 - 1935
Portrait. Interior.
17 x 22 1/4 in. (43.18 x 56.52 cm) (canvas)
28 x 33 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (71.12 x 84.46 x 13.97 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
United States
19th century
Gift of John Scott Bradstreet
In the year 1884, a gentle breeze flowed through the streets of Minneapolis, serenading the bustling cityscape with whispers of change. The Judd House—an eclectic boarding house—stood proudly across from the stately Minneapolis City Hall, a haven for the city's most fashionable residents. Among these lively souls was John Bradstreet, a man with an eye for the unique and a heart that beat to the rhythm of the exotic.
As Bradstreet settled into his new surroundings, he set about transforming his rooms into a sanctuary of his own design. The walls bore witness to his journey into creativity as he draped the space in rich turkeywork carpets that warmed the wooden floors beneath his feet. Moorish-inspired architecture flitted through his dreams and into reality—desks and chairs that echoed distant lands, where the sun kissed intricate tiles and laughter danced from vibrant marketplaces.
In a mesmerizing portrayal, the artist Volk captures the essence of Bradstreet's world; there he sits, a figure of serenity nestled among his crafted haven, surrounded by the enchanting elements of his imagination. The artwork reflects not just a man, but also the spirit of an era bubbling with culture and inspiration, a tapestry woven from threads of ambition and artistry.
And this beautiful piece, a window into Bradstreet's stylish life, was preserved for generations to see, thanks to the generosity of Paula Vesely. Her meaningful support through the Art Champions program shines a beacon of hope, allowing stories like Bradstreet’s to continue enchanting all who gaze upon it, reminding us of the delicate beauty found in exploration and creativity.
About the artist
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