Big Ben 1897

Childe Hassam captured Big Ben shrouded in mist on paper with watercolor. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Hassam's urban scenes are a blend of American and European Impressionism, often reflecting the transformations of city life. Here, Big Ben emerges from a misty backdrop, a symbol of time and British identity. The muted palette creates a melancholic atmosphere. Pedestrians and carriages populate the scene, revealing the city's pulse, yet they're softened by the fog. This artistic choice can be seen as a conscious choice to challenge the notion of progress and modernization. Hassam’s paintings often explore the emotional impact of the environment on human experience. "I believe the man who will go down to posterity is the man who paints his own time and the scenes of everyday life before him," Hassam once remarked, capturing his philosophy. In "Big Ben," Hassam invites us to consider the dialogue between historical identity and the transient nature of modern life, reflected in the blurred boundaries of the scene.