“October Sundown, Newport,” crafted by Childe Hassam in 1901, exemplifies the Impressionist art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 61.8 by 67.2 centimeters and is categorized under the cityscape genre. Currently held in a private collection, this piece captures the essence of a tranquil moment at sundown.
The artwork portrays a picturesque view of Newport as the day transitions to night. The sky is imbued with soft hues of orange and blue, reflecting the glow of the setting sun. The placid water in the foreground mirrors these warm tones, adorned with the impressions of gently bobbing sailboats. The town’s skyline is punctuated by a prominent white church spire, framed by an intricate display of residential and commercial buildings. The artist’s use of short, broken brushstrokes creates an atmosphere of calmness, emphasizing the serene beauty of this coastal scene. Hassam masterfully conveys the delicate interplay of light and shadow, typical of the Impressionist style, immersing the viewer in the peaceful ambiance of a fading October day.
