The Up-Tide on the Avenue c. 1890

Childe Hassam made this watercolor painting, called "The Up-Tide on the Avenue," in 1889. It’s a scene of urban life, showing a rainy day on a busy street. The image presents a particular slice of urban society in the United States at the close of the 19th century. Look at how the horse-drawn carriage, a mode of transport for the wealthy, stands out amidst the anonymous crowd of pedestrians. This highlights the social stratification of the era, where mobility and comfort were largely determined by class. Hassam's choice to depict this scene in watercolor, a medium often associated with fleeting impressions, further underscores the transient nature of urban life. The blurred figures and reflections on the wet pavement create a sense of dynamism and change. To understand this artwork better, we can delve into the social and economic conditions of the time through archival materials and historical accounts of New York City's urban development. The meaning of this artwork is deeply rooted in its social and institutional context.