Winter Nightfall in the City (Primary Title)
Childe Hassam, American, 1859 - 1935 (Artist)
This painting records Hassam’s fascination with atmospheric effects and human mobility. A coachman arches forward; a cloak, muffler, and hat are his only buffers against the icy chill. The well-worn snow bares the impact of turning wheels and roving pedestrians. As the rose-toned sky reaches twilight, a haze descends upon the city where only carriage lanterns and the glow from street windows guide the way. Winter has come. The illusion of spontaneity and immediacy in the painting masks Hassam’s careful cultivation; the artist prepared a series of sketches that were subsequently united on canvas in his studio. As he remarked: “all those people and horses and vehicles didn’t arrange themselves for my especial benefit. I had to catch them, bit by bit, as they flitted past.”
Signed and dated at lower right: "Childe Hassam Paris 1889"
Donated by James W. McGlothlin as part of the James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection of American Art
"Collecting for the Commonwealth Preserving for the Nation, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 1919-2018," Winter Antiques Show, Park Avenue Armory, New York (18-26 January, 2018).
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Childe Hassam: At Home and Abroad," Spanierman Gallery, New York (October-December 1991).
"The American Experience," HIrschl & Adler Galleries, New York (October-November 1976).
"Fourteenth Annual Exhibition," Carnegie Instiute, Pittsburgh, PA (2 May - 13 June, 1910)
"Annual Exhibition," Boston Art Club, Boston, MA (18 January - 15 February 1890)
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Childe Hassam: At Home and Abroad," Spanierman Gallery, New York (October-December 1991).
"The American Experience," HIrschl & Adler Galleries, New York (October-November 1976).
"Fourteenth Annual Exhibition," Carnegie Instiute, Pittsburgh, PA (2 May - 13 June, 1910)
"Annual Exhibition," Boston Art Club, Boston, MA (18 January - 15 February 1890)
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
