The Dark Mountain 1909

"The Dark Mountain" (1909) by American artist Marsden Hartley depicts a dramatic, mountainous landscape with a foreboding, almost melancholic atmosphere. The scene is dominated by the imposing, dark, and looming mountain range, punctuated by a solitary tree in the foreground. The sky is a mixture of light and dark hues with clouds casting shadows across the scene. Hartley's use of bold colors and simplified forms creates a sense of mystery and depth, characteristic of his early landscapes. This painting reflects the influence of German Expressionism, which emphasized emotional intensity and subjectivity in art. "The Dark Mountain" is now part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.