1874-1939. An influential impressionist painter, the Michigan-born Frieseke took up permanent residence in France after first arriving there at the age of 24. Although he traveled back to the United States periodically and sent works to be exhibited in his native country, he is most closely linked with the French art colony of Giverny, home of Claude Monet. Frieseke was viewed as the leader of the last generation of American painters to converge at the famous spot, many of whom used the surrounding landscape as a backdrop for-rather than the primary subject of-their compositions.

Frieseke expressed admiration for the work of Pierre Auguste Renoir, and, like the French artist, became known for his paintings of women. These works were sometimes set in interiors, but were frequently situated in vibrant gardens or quietly picturesque spots in the environs of Giverny, along the rivers Epte and Seine. Frieseke's richly colored canvases have their roots in impressionism, but their intense decorative patterning also suggests a transition to post-impressionism. The artist enjoyed an international reputation, and was especially popular in Italy, where an entire room of his work was placed on view at the 1909 Venice Biennale.