Tanagra – The Builders, New York (1918) by Childe Hassam

Tanagra - The Builders, New York - Childe Hassam - 1918

Artwork Information

TitleTanagra - The Builders, New York
ArtistChilde Hassam
Date1918
Art MovementImpressionism

About Tanagra - The Builders, New York

The artwork “Tanagra – The Builders, New York” by Childe Hassam, dated 1918, exemplifies the Impressionism art movement. This piece belongs to the genre of interior artwork, wherein Hassam captures a scene within an indoor setting.

In the painting, we observe a domestic interior scene bathed in soft, dappled light. The focal point is a figure of a woman in a flowing yellow patterned dress who stands in profile, gazing at something she holds in her hand, which appears to be a small statue or figurine. Behind her, there is a folding screen decorated with vibrant floral motifs, infusing the space with warmth and natural elements, typical of Impressionist works that seek to capture the play of light and color.

The sunlit room opens to the outside through large windows, hinting at the urban landscape of New York, as suggested by the title. Though the city is not directly depicted, the suggestion of it is palpable in the contrast between the tranquility of the indoor space and the hinted hustle and bustle outside. The woman’s contemplative posture contrasts with the implied dynamism of the city’s builders.

On the round table in the foreground, there is a bowl of flowers whose petals and leaves are rendered with short, energetic brushstrokes, a characteristic technique of Impressionism. The mirror-like surface of the table reflects the riot of colors, contributing to the sense of lushness and vibrancy. The composition as a whole captures a moment of quietude and beauty within an intimate space, underscoring an Impressionist preoccupation with the effect of light on surfaces and the transitory nature of the moment captured.

Other Artwork from Childe Hassam

More Impressionism Artwork

Scroll to Top