Casa Eby, Cos Cob 1906

Childe Hassam captured Casa Eby, Cos Cob, using watercolors, a medium that invites spontaneity and light. The fluid nature of watercolor allows the artist to convey the reflections on the water's surface, and the dampness of the riverside environment. Notice the texture and form. It's achieved through layering translucent washes of pigment. The material's inherent properties allow for the blending of colors, creating depth and luminosity. Hassam was working in a tradition rooted in observation and plein air painting. He was engaging with a practice in line with the rise of leisure and middle-class culture. The portability of watercolors made it easy to capture the changing effects of light and atmosphere, as well as scenes of everyday life. The artist was able to produce the work relatively quickly. Paying attention to materials and context helps us to appreciate the full meaning of this tranquil waterside scene.