“Street in Portsmouth” is a cityscape artwork created by Childe Hassam in 1917. The piece belongs to the Impressionism art movement.
The artwork portrays a serene street scene in Portsmouth. Dominating the composition are several houses with ornate architectural details, partially obscured by lush, vibrant trees. The depiction of light and shadow is masterfully handled, utilizing loose, expressive brushstrokes typical of the Impressionist style. The pastel palette of blues, greens, and earth tones imbues the scene with a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. This cityscape not only captures the physical attributes of the location but also evokes a sense of calm and timelessness. The presence of distant structures hints at the broader urban context beyond the immediate view, while the leafy foreground creates a sense of intimacy and enclosure. This painting exemplifies the artist’s ability to merge natural beauty with man-made structures seamlessly, capturing the essence of a quiet day in an early 20th-century American town.
