The Flag Outside her Window (1918)

Hassam, Childe (1859-1935)

The Flag Outside her Window, April, 1918 (The Boys Marching By)
1918
Oil on canvas, 81.3 x 72.1 cm
Wadsworth AtheneumHartford

A young woman turns her attention to the parade for Preparedness Day, an event marking America’s participation in World War I. She looks out at the procession along New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Partly dressed, her pose implies she was caught slightly off-guard as she looks upon the marching soldiers. The placement of her left hand suggests a heartfelt reaction and further alludes to the emotional impact of the war. A narrow section of the American flag echoes the patriotic mood at home. The street was lined with flags representing the allied nations, lending it the name “Avenue of the Allies.” (WA)