Spring Morning 1913

Ernest Lawson's “Spring Morning” is an undated oil on canvas that captures a scene in the United States, likely the early 20th century. Lawson was associated with the group of American Impressionist painters known as "The Ten," and this piece exemplifies the move toward a more native form of Impressionism. The painting presents a serene landscape, with a focus on natural light and atmosphere, but in the background an industrial bridge suggests an interesting question about the relationship between nature and technological advancement. It's interesting to note the artist's choice to include that man-made structure in a setting that is otherwise evocative of pastoral simplicity. Lawson’s work often depicted New York City and the surrounding areas and so we might ask what his work communicates about urbanization and industrial growth. As art historians, we consult period documents, exhibition reviews, and artists' correspondence to reconstruct the cultural milieu in which “Spring Morning” was created. We need to understand how it participated in contemporary debates about progress, nature, and the role of art in reflecting and shaping American society.