“Flags, Columbus Circle,” painted by Childe Hassam in 1918, is a cityscape artwork belonging to the Impressionism movement. The artwork captures the bustling urban environment of Columbus Circle, adorned with prominent displays of American flags.
The composition highlights the urban setting with a dynamic arrangement of architectural elements and figures moving through the scene. The large American flag in the foreground waves with vibrant hues of red, white, and blue, asserting its dominance in the scene. This flag serves as a focal point, drawing the viewer’s attention while foreground figures interact, going about their daily lives. The background reveals intricately rendered buildings and the iconic monument of Columbus Circle, offering a sense of depth and perspective. Hassam’s typical Impressionist technique is evident in the loose, expressive brushstrokes and the play of light and color, evoking a lively, yet nuanced atmosphere of early 20th-century urban America.