Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore

Sanford Robinson Gifford

Created:
Movement:
1871
Hudson River School
key Notes:
Luminous landscape, Italian scenery
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Dimensions:
20 1/4 x 36in. (51.4 x 91.4cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore" is a painting by American artist Sanford Robinson Gifford, created in 1871. Gifford was a prominent member of the Hudson River School, known for his landscape paintings that emphasize the beauty of nature. The painting depicts Isola Bella, an island in Lake Maggiore, Italy, renowned for its picturesque gardens and Baroque architecture. Gifford's work reflects the Romantic ideals of the time, showcasing the interplay of light and atmosphere in the natural landscape. The composition features a serene view of the island, with lush greenery and the tranquil waters of the lake. Gifford's technique includes a delicate application of paint, capturing the subtleties of light and shadow. The painting is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Specific details about the painting's exhibition history or provenance are not widely documented.

Description of the work:

"Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore," created by Sanford Robinson Gifford in 1871, is an oil on canvas painting that captures a serene landscape scene. The composition features the island of Isola Bella, characterized by its lush greenery and architectural elements, set against the backdrop of Lago Maggiore. Gifford employs a soft color palette dominated by greens, blues, and earth tones, which evoke a tranquil atmosphere. The sky is rendered with delicate brushwork, showcasing a gradient of light that suggests the time of day is either dawn or dusk. The reflection of the island in the water adds a sense of depth and harmony to the scene. Gifford's attention to detail in the foliage and the interplay of light and shadow highlights his mastery of atmospheric effects. The overall composition conveys a sense of peacefulness and natural beauty, typical of the Hudson River School's emphasis on the American landscape.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore