Sunset, Cape Split, Maine c. 1950

John Marin made this watercolor of "Sunset, Cape Split, Maine," sometime during his career, capturing a fleeting moment in nature. Marin, who came of age during the rise of American modernism, sought to capture the energy and dynamism of the American landscape, particularly its coastal regions. Painted during an era of significant industrial and social change, Marin’s work provides a counterpoint, reflecting a desire to find solace and meaning in the natural world. His gestural brushstrokes and vibrant colors evoke a sense of immediacy, mirroring the ever-changing qualities of light and atmosphere. Marin, like many artists of his time, grappled with representing a distinctly American identity. "The whole business of art is to get across to the spectator the state of mind of the artist," he said. Through his art, Marin invites viewers to contemplate their relationship with the environment and consider the emotional impact of the American landscape. His watercolors express an individual emotional experience, while connecting to broader themes of national identity.