Created:
Movement:
c. 1915
Impressionism
key Notes:
Beach scene, Leisure activity
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Dimensions:
76.4 × 101.8 cm (30 1/8 × 40 1/8 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"A Holiday" is a painting by American artist Edward Henry Potthast, who was active from 1857 to 1927. The work exemplifies Potthast's focus on beach scenes and leisure activities, reflecting the popular culture of early 20th-century America. The painting captures a moment of joy and relaxation, featuring figures engaged in recreational activities by the seaside. Potthast's use of light and color conveys the vibrancy of summer, emphasizing the interplay between sunlight and water. The artist often depicted children and families, highlighting themes of innocence and enjoyment in nature. "A Holiday" is representative of Potthast's broader oeuvre, which celebrates the American experience of leisure and the beauty of coastal landscapes. The exact date of creation remains unspecified, but it aligns with Potthast's active years during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The painting is characterized by its impressionistic style, which captures the spontaneity of the moment and the fluidity of the figures. Potthast's work is held in various public and private collections, contributing to his recognition as a significant figure in American Impressionism.

Description of the work:

"A Holiday" by Edward Henry Potthast depicts a lively beach scene characterized by a vibrant palette and dynamic composition. The painting features figures engaged in leisure activities along the shore, with an emphasis on the interaction between the subjects and their environment. The use of light is notable, as it captures the sun's reflection on the water and the play of shadows on the sand. Potthast employs loose brushwork to convey movement and the texture of the waves, enhancing the sense of a carefree summer day. The arrangement of figures is balanced, with a foreground populated by bathers and a background that recedes into a serene ocean horizon. The overall atmosphere is one of joy and relaxation, encapsulating the essence of a holiday experience.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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A Holiday