Lower Manhattan (aka Broad and Wall Streets) 1907

Childe Hassam made Lower Manhattan, also known as Broad and Wall Streets, with oil on canvas. There’s a hazy atmosphere in this painting; the buildings almost seem to be dissolving in the light. Hassam used quick, loose brushstrokes to capture the energy of the city. This feels like a work that's made in the moment, capturing a fleeting impression. Looking closely, you can see how the texture of the paint creates a sense of depth and movement. The colors are muted, but there's a subtle vibrancy to them. See how the sky almost seems to be pressing down on the buildings, and the buildings seem to be rising up to meet it? This all over, open-ended quality reminds me of the work of painters like Turner, who used light and color to create a sense of drama and awe. But where Turner goes for drama, Hassam seems to be embracing the quiet hum of the everyday. Art's not about answers, it's about asking questions, and Hassam leaves us with plenty to think about here.