Study of Beeches

John Frederick Kensett

Created:
Movement:
1872
Tonalism
key Notes:
Luminous foliage, Tranquil landscape
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Dimensions:
14 3/4 x 10 3/8 in. (37.5 x 26.4 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Study of Beeches" is a painting by American artist John Frederick Kensett, created in 1872. Kensett was a prominent member of the Hudson River School, known for his landscapes that emphasize light and atmosphere. The painting depicts a serene woodland scene featuring beech trees, showcasing Kensett's mastery of color and composition. It reflects his interest in capturing the beauty of nature and the effects of light on the landscape. Kensett often painted en plein air, which allowed him to observe and depict natural scenes with precision. The work is characterized by its detailed rendering of foliage and the interplay of light and shadow. "Study of Beeches" is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The painting exemplifies Kensett's contribution to American landscape painting in the 19th century. Further details about the painting's provenance or exhibition history are not widely documented.

Description of the work:

"Study of Beeches" by John Frederick Kensett, created in 1872, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's mastery of landscape representation. The composition features a serene woodland scene dominated by a cluster of beech trees, their trunks rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The foliage is depicted in varying shades of green, capturing the interplay of light and shadow among the leaves. Kensett employs a soft, atmospheric quality in the background, suggesting depth and distance through subtle gradations of color. The overall palette is characterized by naturalistic tones, enhancing the sense of tranquility and harmony within the landscape. The brushwork is fluid and expressive, contributing to the painting's organic feel. The work reflects Kensett's interest in the American landscape and his commitment to capturing its beauty with precision and sensitivity.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Study of Beeches