Serbonne

With its blocks of monochromatic tone, strategically placed verticals and broad, painterly gestures, this image recalls Gertrude Käsebier's training as a painter. In the summer of 1901, Käsebier was in Europe where she visited F. Holland Day, Frederick Evans, and Edward Steichen. This scene depicts a picnic in the French countryside; Steichen stands at left, while the figures of Käsebier’s daughter Hermine, the artist-illustrator Frances Delehanty and Charlotte Smith are seated. Although the scene exudes an air of casual social interaction, it is clearly a staged portrait and there are numerous references to the art of painting, including a smock, beret and palette.