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Childe Hassam
Childe Hassam, born on October 17, 1859, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, was a cornerstone of American Impressionism. His full name was Frederick Childe Hassam, but he preferred to go by Childe. He came from a family with deep roots in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, giving him a sense of history and tradition that later influenced his art. Hassam’s father, Frederick Fitch Hassam, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Rosa Delia Hassam, supported his early artistic inclinations.
Hassam began his education at Dorchester High School, where his artistic talents emerged. Despite his evident skill, he initially pursued a career in business, working as a draftsman and book illustrator. This practical choice reflected the pragmatic attitudes of his era, but his passion for art soon took precedence. He attended evening classes at the Boston Art Club and the Lowell Institute, studying freehand drawing and painting, which laid a solid foundation for his future career.
Establishing a Reputation in BostonIn the early 1880s, Hassam established himself in the Boston art scene. His early works, primarily watercolors and illustrations, garnered significant recognition. Between 1882 and 1886, his reputation grew as he exhibited regularly and received commissions, showcasing his burgeoning prowess as an artist.During this period, Hassam was known for his ability to capture the vibrancy of city life and the tranquility of the countryside. His watercolors, in particular, displayed his skill in capturing light and movement with a fluid, almost ethereal quality. These early experiences were crucial in forming his artistic voice, combining technical precision with deep emotional resonance.
Journey to Paris and the Influence of French ImpressionismIn 1886, Hassam traveled to Paris to further his artistic education and broaden his horizons, marking a significant turning point in his career. Paris, the art world’s epicenter at the time, exposed him to a vibrant artistic community and avant-garde movements. He enrolled at the prestigious Académie Julian, studying under influential artists such as Gustave Boulanger and Jules Joseph Lefebvre.In Paris, Hassam was particularly drawn to French Impressionism. Unlike many American contemporaries, who were more conservative, he embraced the radical techniques of the Impressionists. Captivated by their focus on capturing light and color, their loose brushwork, and their emphasis on modern life, Hassam began to experiment with these techniques, developing a vibrant and dynamic approach to his paintings.
Return to the United States and Lifelong Residence in New YorkAfter three years in Paris, Hassam returned to the United States in late 1889, settling in New York City. New York’s bustling streets and vibrant cultural scene provided endless inspiration. He quickly became the foremost chronicler of the city’s dynamic life at the turn of the century.In New York, Hassam continued developing his Impressionist style, applying Parisian techniques to capture urban life’s energy and vibrancy. His paintings of Boston, Paris, and New York, such as “Winter in Union Square” and “Spring Morning in the Heart of the City,” showcased his ability to depict urban environments with a unique blend of affection and originality.
The Isles of Shoals and Country RetreatsWhile Hassam is best known for his cityscapes, he also found profound inspiration in the countryside. He spent long periods at the Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. These retreats offered a stark contrast to urban environments and inspired some of his most cherished works.His paintings of the Isles of Shoals, such as “Coast Scene, Isles of Shoals,” are celebrated for their vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. These works capture the rugged beauty of the landscape and reflect Hassam’s deep appreciation for nature. Beyond the Isles of Shoals, Hassam painted scenes from other New England locales, including Newport, Portsmouth, Old Lyme, and Gloucester.In 1919, Hassam and his wife purchased a colonial-period house in East Hampton, Long Island, which became their summer retreat. This move allowed him to explore rural themes further and provided a tranquil setting for his later work.
Prolific Output and Critical AcclaimThroughout his career, Hassam was incredibly productive, creating over 2,000 oils, watercolors, pastels, and illustrations. After 1912, he expanded his work to include over 400 etchings and other prints. His prolific output brought him both critical acclaim and commercial success, making him a leading figure in American Impressionism.Hassam’s works are celebrated for their brilliant handling of color and light. His ability to capture everyday life’s fleeting moments with sensitivity and grace set him apart from his contemporaries. His belief that artists should paint their own time and everyday life scenes resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
The Flag SeriesOne of the most distinctive and famous aspects of Hassam’s later career is his “Flag series,” a set of about thirty paintings inspired by the “Preparedness Parades” on Fifth Avenue in New York City during World War I. These parades, which supported US involvement in the war, left a significant impression on Hassam. His flag paintings are a patriotic tribute, capturing the flags displayed on New York’s most fashionable street with his artistic vision.Among these paintings, “The Avenue in the Rain” (1917) stands out. This piece, characterized by its impressionistic blurring of flags and their reflections, has been part of the White House collection since the Kennedy administration and was displayed in the Oval Office by President Barack Obama. Hassam’s flag series encompasses all seasons and various weather conditions, making a powerful patriotic statement.Hassam’s passion for the Allied cause during World War I was evident in his art and personal actions. He and his wife actively participated in war relief efforts, contributing both their time and resources. Despite challenges, his flag paintings symbolized American patriotism and support for the Allied cause.
Later Years and LegacyIn 1919, Hassam purchased a home in East Hampton, New York, where he spent much of his later life. His paintings from this period often featured local scenes from Long Island. The post-war art market boomed in the 1920s, and Hassam’s work commanded high prices. However, some critics felt his style had become repetitive as American art moved towards the Realism of the Ashcan School and artists like Edward Hopper and Robert Henri.Despite these criticisms, Hassam continued to receive numerous accolades. In 1920, he was awarded the Gold Medal of Honor for lifetime achievement from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He also received various other awards throughout the 1920s and was featured in significant exhibitions, such as the 32nd Annual Exhibition of American Art at the Cincinnati Art Museum in 1925. His work was also part of the painting event in the art competition at the 1928 Summer Olympics.Hassam’s travels in his later years were limited, though he visited places like California, Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico. These trips provided new subjects for his work and allowed him to explore different aspects of the American landscape. Despite his declining health, Hassam remained active and productive until his death.
Denouncement of Modern TrendsThroughout his life, Hassam remained critical of modern art movements like Cubism and Surrealism. He felt these movements strayed too far from traditional artistic values and often referred to their proponents as “art boobys.” Hassam’s commitment to Impressionism and disdain for avant-garde trends marked him as a traditionalist in an increasingly modern art world.Hassam’s resistance to modern trends did not diminish his influence or legacy. His works continued to be celebrated for their beauty and technical mastery. Even as the art world evolved, Hassam’s dedication to capturing the essence of his time and place ensured his lasting impact on American art.
Revival of InterestIn the years following his death in 1935, Hassam’s reputation experienced a revival. During the 1960s, interest in American Impressionism grew, and Hassam was recognized as a key figure in this movement. As prices for French Impressionist paintings soared in the 1970s, Hassam and other American Impressionists also gained renewed attention and appreciation.The revival of interest in Hassam’s work was driven by several factors. Art historians began re-evaluating American artists’ contributions to the Impressionist movement, and collectors sought works that captured the unique spirit of American Impressionism. Exhibitions of Hassam’s work, both in the United States and abroad, introduced new generations of art lovers to his vibrant and evocative paintings.
Lasting Impact and ConclusionChilde Hassam’s life and work remain a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication. As a pioneering American Impressionist, he created a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. His ability to capture everyday life’s fleeting moments with sensitivity and grace has secured his place as one of the most important figures in American art history.Hassam’s legacy is evident in the continued appreciation of his work by collectors and art enthusiasts. His paintings, with their brilliant handling of light and color, offer a window into a bygone era, reflecting the beauty and complexity of American life at the turn of the century. As a chronicler of urban and rural scenes, Hassam’s work provides a valuable historical record and a timeless source of aesthetic pleasure.In summary, Childe Hassam’s contributions to American Impressionism and his dedication to capturing his time make him a central figure in the annals of American art. His prolific output, critical acclaim, and enduring legacy attest to his significance as an artist whose work continues to resonate with audiences today.
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Washington Arch, Spring 1893
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00The Church at Gloucester 1918
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Church at Old Lyme 1906
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Church at Old Lyme, Connecticut, 1905
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Summer at Cos Cob, 1902
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Tuileries Gardens 1897
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $229.00The Yachts, Gloucester Harbor 1899
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $239.00The Stone Bridge, Old Lyme 1904
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Top of Fort George 1920
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Woodchopper 1902
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00View of Broadway and Fifth Avenue 1890
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Marché St. Pierre, Montmartre 1888
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Childe, View in Montmartre, Paris
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Street of the Great Captain, Córdoba 1910
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Canterbury Cathedral 1889
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00St. Mark’s in the Bowery 1910
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $239.00The Stone Cottage, Old Lyme
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $229.00Charles River and Beacon Hill 1892
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Old Mulford House, East Hampton 1918
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Marlborough Street, Boston 1889
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Gloucester, 1919
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00May Day, Way Up Town 1920
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $289.00The Harbor 1902
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $299.00The Water Garden 1909
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $299.00In a French Garden 1897
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Rooftops, Pont-Aven, Brittany 1897
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Street in Provincetown
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $239.00Flowers Against a White Wall 1890
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Quincy Masschusetts
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Evening Shadows, The Old Farmhouse, Easthampton, L.I. 1923
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Altheas 1920
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00The Dewey Arch (Dewey’s Arch) 1900
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Ronda 1910
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Old House, East Hampton, L.I. 1919
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Back of the Old House 1916
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $299.00End of the Trolley Line, Oak Park, Illinois 1893
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Colonial Graveyard at Lexington 1891
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00View from Fort George
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Tulip Tree in Bloom 1932
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $289.00Broadstairs Cottage 1890
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $309.00The Bartlett Garden, Amagansett, Long Island 1933
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $389.00California 1919
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $339.00On the Chalk Cliffs, Broadstairs 1889
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $299.00Maids in the Mist, 1899
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $229.00In the Doorway 1888
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Church, Ronda 1910
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00The Cathedral and Fifth Avenue in June 1893
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Man Standing in Street
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $519.00Gloucester Inner Harbor 1899
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Gloucester
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $229.00Gloucester Harbor 1899
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Newport 1901
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Dock Scene, Gloucester 1894
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $239.00Street in Gloucester 1896
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $229.00July Night
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00The Hovel and the Skyscraper
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00The Spanish Stairs, Rome 1897
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00The Smelt Fishers, Cos Cob, Connecticut
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Early evening after snowfall
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00The Old Paris Cab Stand
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Columbus Avenue, Rainy Day 1885
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00April Showers, Champs Elysees Paris
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $289.00Rainy Day, Boston 1886
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $289.00La Val-de-Grace, Spring Morning
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00The Drive near Paris
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Bathing Pool, Appledore 1907
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00The Chinese Merchants 1909
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $339.00Sunny Day, Long Island 1925
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $389.00Hollyhocks, Isle of Shoals 1920
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Field of Poppies, Isles of Shoals 1890
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Flower Garden, Isles of Shoals 1893
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00The Bride 1892
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00The Island Garden, 1892
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Poppies Appledore
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Celia Thaxter’s Garden,Appledore,Isles of Shoals-1890
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Thaxter’s Garden, 1892
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00The Garden in Its Glory, 1892
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Apple Trees in Bloom, Old Lyme 1904
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Meadows 1891
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Walden Pond
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00September Moonrise 1900
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Spring, Navesink Highlands, 1908
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00September Clouds 1891
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00The Concord Meadow 1891
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00The Jewel Box, Old Lyme 1906
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $319.00The Dragon Cloud, Old Lyme 1903
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Autumn
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $339.00The Little Pond, Appledore 1890
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Spring at East Hampton, Egypt Lane 1920
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $309.00Spring Woods (In the Orchard) 1921
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $299.00Golden Afternoon
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $289.00California Hills in Spring (The Little Vineyard), 1914
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $279.00Bouquet of Oaks 1907
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Brook Back of New Canaan, Conn., 1902
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00October Gold 1901
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $299.00Pastoral Scene 1905
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $259.00Harney Desert 1908
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $249.00Harney Desert, 1908
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00Untitled (On the Snake River), 1906
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00On the Snake River, Oregon, 1904
By Childe HassamSizes starting at $269.00