At Gloucester 1890

Childe Hassam made this watercolor painting of Gloucester, most likely en plein air, to capture a fleeting moment. Watercolor is a medium known for its translucence and fluidity, qualities Hassam exploits to create a sense of airy lightness. Look closely, and you'll see how the watery pigments flow and mingle, creating soft, blended edges, especially in the reflections on the water and the hazy sky. Hassam’s technique involves layering washes of color, one over another, to build up depth and form. The white of the paper shines through, adding to the luminosity of the scene. The quick, loose brushwork captures the immediacy of the moment, as if the artist were trying to record the scene before the light changed. Watercolor paintings like this were often made by artists traveling to resorts and beauty spots, who sold them to tourists. In this way, the artwork became a souvenir of a particular place and experience. Hassam was part of a growing art market catering to middle class consumers. By understanding the materials and techniques of the artist, and the social context in which the work was made, we can fully appreciate its significance.