An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Battledore1868-1870
Artist: Albert Joseph Moore
British, 1841 - 1893
standing woman dressed in green and turquoise robes, holding a badminton racket in her PR hand and a shuttlecock at her PL shoulder
42 1/4 x 17 13/16 in. (107.32 x 45.24 cm) (sight)
43 x 27 7/16 in. (109.22 x 69.69 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
England
19th century
The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund, by exchange
In the lush landscape of 19th-century artistry, where every brushstroke whispered tales of beauty and elegance, there emerged a figure whose heart thrummed with the rhythm of the Aesthetic Movement. Albert Moore, a name that would come to symbolize the essence of art dedicated to sheer visual pleasure, found his calling amidst the vibrant colors and intricate designs that graced the world around him.
Picture a time when "Art for Art's Sake" was more than a mere phrase; it was a mantra that guided the souls of creators. Moore emerged as a principal architect of this revolution, steering the course of both decorative and pictorial art in Britain and America. His works, where the beauty of form, color, and composition reigned supreme, cast aside the narratives that often tethered artists to storytelling. Instead, he invited viewers to slip into a reverie, a peaceful sanctuary where visual splendor flourished unencumbered.
Amidst the influences that shaped Moore's artistry was the majestic Elgin Marbles. The draped figures he conjured from stone began to breathe with life on his canvases. With each stroke, he captured the grace of classical beauty, intertwining elements of Japanese design, which added an exotic flair to his compositions. These enchanting female figures, wrapped in flowing fabrics that appeared to dance with the light, began surfacing from his palette in the mid-1860s, igniting inspiration in fellow artists—chief among them, the renowned James MacNeill Whistler. Whistler revered Moore, calling him the most original artist of his generation, a beacon guiding others through the profound depths of aesthetic explorations.
As we stand before one of Moore's masterpieces, we might take a moment to delve into the title—a reference to badminton rackets, a game steeped in history. Yet, the real story lies not in a simple sport or its origin. No, the heart of the painting pulses with exquisite technical mastery. It enchants us with a delicious array of linear patterns, each line weaving a tapestry of harmony across the canvas. And oh, the colors! They seduce the eye, drawing us into a kaleidoscope of hues that speak to emotions yet unnamed.
In this visual oasis created by Moore's hands, we feel not just as spectators but as participants in a dialogue with beauty itself—a conversation that transcends time and narrative. It reminds us of the inherent power of art to nurture the spirit, to inspire, and to elevate our very existence with every glance.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.