Hassam, Childe (1859-1935)
Gathering Flowers in a French Garden
1888
Oil on canvas, 71.1 x 55.1 cm
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
Buoyed by his artistic success in Boston, Hassam sought instruction in Paris at the prestigious Académie Julian in 1886. Although Hassam became disillusioned with the rigid and unimaginative structure of the Parisian school, even unenrolling in the spring of 1888, his time spent in the epicenter of the modern western art world proved to be a far better teacher. Surrounded by numerous galleries and independent spaces exhibiting avant-garde art, Hassam experienced a range of modern French painting, from the Barbizon School to impressionism, which he would adapt into his own distinct style. Gathering Flowers in a French Garden reflects Hassam’s novel approach with an energetic brush, vibrant palette, and asymmetrical composition—all aspects of impressionism that he would bring back to America. (WAM)