Object Details
Artist
Birge Harrison, born Philadelphia, PA 1854-died Woodstock, NY 1929
Luce Center Label
In his 1909 book, Landscape Painting, Birge Harrison described color as “dancing” in nature, and he was especially fascinated by the subtle tones in a wintry landscape. In this image, he painted the pinks and purples of a winter sunset reflected and diffused across broken ice. The dark boats trapped by the frozen water and the pale colors evoke an environment that is both harsh and beautiful.
Luce Object Quote
“Color is very closely allied to music. Both are sensuous and [passionate], playing directly upon the emotions . . .” The artist, in his book Landscape Painting, 1909
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase
Date
ca. 1890
Object number
1984.23
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
Painting
Medium
oil on wood mounted on wooden cradle
Dimensions
15 1/4 x 23 3/8 in. (38.7 x 59.4 cm.)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Waterscape\harbor
Waterscape\coast
Architecture\boat\sailboat
Waterscape\time\sunset
Waterscape\season\winter
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1984.23