“White Island Light (Isles of Shoals at Sundown)” is an artwork by Childe Hassam, created in 1899 in the United States. It is an impressionist painting, classified within the genre of marina. The painting reflects Hassam’s mastery of the Impressionist style, with its vibrant play of light and color capturing the fleeting effects of sunlight at the end of the day.
The artwork depicts a seascape scene during sundown. In the foreground, large rocks densely textured with strokes of paint dominate the composition, hinting at the rugged beauty of a natural coastline. A variety of colors is used to represent the vegetation and the rocky surfaces, providing a sense of the rich and complex tapestry of nature.
In the middle distance, calm waters of the sea stretch towards the horizon, rendered with myriad short, choppy brushstrokes that create a shimmering effect. The brushstrokes vary in hue to capture the reflections of the setting sun on the water’s surface, suggesting the gentle movement of the waves.
In the background, the White Island Light, a lighthouse on a small outcropping of land, serves as a focal point, although it is painted with a delicate touch that blends it into the seascape rather than making it overly prominent. The sky above is rendered with soft, muted tones, suggesting the tranquility of the approaching evening. The various elements of the painting come together to evoke a peaceful and contemplative mood.