Childe Hassam, "At the Piano"

 

   I was struck by this beautiful image when I first saw it.   If you are a frequent reader, you are aware that composition, the structure of a painting, is most important to me.  And, this week's painting, caught my attention immediately.   Here we have our beautiful subject right down the middle.  The base of the painting is weighed down by the dark brown floor, only to be carried up the left side by the huge piano.  But to keep that space boring, and to start a vertical sweep, Hassam put a large potted plant on the floor.   From the plant our attention pops up to our woman, and then to the objects on the upper right, ending with a corner of an art piece on the wall.  Right through the center is a very subtle rhythm pattern.  It starts inside the piano's right leg, bounces to the back of the chair, legs of the table, and table objects and out.  A strong composition like this, maybe incidental to the casual viewer, but what it does do, is separate the master Artist from the hobby painter.  
    Childe Hassam (1859-1935) was considered an American impressionist.  He has skillfully carried this technique into this interior image with a soft focus, loose brush. I have looked at the piano flowers closely and believe there is a vase of flowers obstructing our view of her sheet music.  I would enjoy reading comments about this area.  
   The woman is beautifully done.   Notice how her white dress is heavily shaded in blue at the bottom, but as it rises into more light, there are multiple colors to see when we zero in close.   If you move in close to her hair, you will notice more color highlights.  Her pale skin (which probably never saw sunlight), her dress and hairstyle pinpoint the styles of the day.   
    "At the Piano" is an oil on canvas.  It is part of the permanent collection of the Cincinanti Art Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio and measures 24 inches by 26 inches.  It is interesting to note that the museum lists two dates for when it was made, 1902 and 1908.  This should mean that in 1908, Hassam revisited this painting and made important changes.  
   Make Art a part of your day, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. Char HarguthJanuary 10, 2022 at 8:36 AM

    I, too, love this painting and always learn from your description of the composition. Every item or area has a purpose, from the darker upper left rectangular to the floor plant's blue vase. I like the texture he creates with brush strokes, both on the wall and in her dress. She has a very proper presence about her, with her posture and focus. The room also suggests an affluent home. Why is her right hand raised? is she reaching up to turn a page; the sheet music seems high! I think the bouquet is right at that edge for balance. Flowers and plant give warmth and femininity. I am fond of his loose style and would like to imitate!!

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