“Early morning on the avenue in May” is an Impressionist cityscape painting by Childe Hassam, created in 1917. This artwork utilizes a style typical of the Impressionist movement, characterized by its loose brushwork and depiction of light in its changing qualities. The piece captures a lively street scene, presumably set in a bustling American city given the predominance of the American flags.
In the painting, the avenue is adorned with numerous flags, mostly American, with the presence of at least one British Union Jack, signifying the time period during which World War I was ongoing and allies were showing mutual support. The flags fluttering in the breeze add vibrancy and a sense of movement to the scene. The time of day, early morning, is suggested by the soft, diffused light that bathes the architecture, street, and figures.
Buildings line the avenue, receding into the atmospheric perspective created with muted tones and softened edges. The street is teeming with activity, including pedestrians and vehicles, done in swift strokes and dabs of color that imply the hustle and bustle of city life. Individuals and groups of figures are seen walking along the sidewalks, and there is a distinct flurry of movement that is felt through Hassam’s energetic application of paint.
The Impressionist technique lends a certain dreaminess to the scene, focusing not on the fine details but on the overall impression the sight would impose on an observer. The use of light and color in the painting is evocative of the era and reflects the dynamic atmosphere of an American city during a significant historical moment.
