Theme and Elements edit
The painting is reminiscent of an earlier work, Spring, which was completed by Cot in 1873. This painting was subsequently aquired by John Wolfe after it was displayed with astounding success at the Salon of 1873. It is believed that the presence of Spring in Wolfe's collection was the impetus that drove his cousin, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe, to purchase The Storm in 1880. Both paintings are of roughly the same dimensions and are evidently related in subject in the sense that both portray a young, nubile couple. It is from this therefore, that the two paintings are thought to form a symbiotic pair, where the success of the earlier work led to the creation of the latter[1].
- ^ The original Spring measured 82×49 inches; David C. Lyall sale (New York, 1903)