The artwork titled “A Row of Tenements,” created by Robert Spencer in 1915, is an exemplification of the Impressionism art movement and belongs to the cityscape genre.
In this artwork, Spencer offers a vivid depiction of urban life characterized by a row of old, weathered tenement buildings. The construction is simple and austere, featuring multi-story structures closely aligned, evoking a sense of density and community. The buildings primarily display shades of brown and gray, suggesting the worn and aged facades that have borne the touch of time. Individuals are sparsely populated across the scene, some appearing to be engaged in leisurely walks while others seem to stand and converse, adding a subtle dynamism to the otherwise static backdrop. The brushwork is textured and expressive, typical of the Impressionist style, conveying the atmospheric nuances of the scene. Above, the sky is rendered in a tumult of vibrant colors, creating a stark contrast with the more muted tones of the buildings, and suggesting either an early morning or late afternoon time frame.