A group of women in long dresses in amongst trees. The scene is of women looking out to sea (the coast of Maine), waiting for their husband sailors to return. Spring Morning, like Waiting, was inspired by Barnet’s time in Maine. While living on the coast, Barnet became fascinated by the stories of 19th-century sailors and the women they left behind when they went out to sea. Spring Morning, one of many Barnet works that explores this subject, is shrouded in silence. A group of women is dispersed along the shoreline, each wrapped in a heavy cloak and waiting for her lover’s return. The boundless Atlantic is visible just beyond the trees. Although massed together, each figure remains isolated, lacking animation. The women stand as still as statues, seemingly capable of waiting forever.

Spring Morning

Barnet, Will

1985

Artwork Information

  • Title:

    Spring Morning

  • Artist:

    Barnet, Will

  • Artist Bio:

    American, 1911–2012

  • Date:

    1985

  • Medium:

    Serigraph

  • Dimensions:

    27 7/8 x 52 3/4 inches

  • Credit Line:

    Wichita Art Museum, Gift of the artist

  • Object Number:

    1986.20

  • Display:

    Not Currently on Display

About the Artwork

Spring Morning, like Waiting, was inspired by Barnet’s time in Maine. While living on the coast, Barnet became fascinated by the stories of 19th-century sailors and the women they left behind when they went out to sea. Spring Morning, one of many Barnet works that explores this subject, is shrouded in silence. A group of women is dispersed along the shoreline, each wrapped in a heavy cloak and waiting for her lover’s return. The boundless Atlantic is visible just beyond the trees. Although massed together, each figure remains isolated, lacking animation. The women stand as still as statues, seemingly capable of waiting forever.