12-B Childe Hassam, Allies Day, May 1917, 1917

12-B Childe Hassam, Allies Day, May 1917, 1917
- Describe the brushstrokes in this painting. They can be distinguished separately, as if the artist has just made them. They are not blended together to make a smooth surface and are of different sizes.
Distinguish distinct elements in this painting:
- Find the church tower. It is on the left.
- Where are the trees in Central Park? They are the green in the lower center of the painting.
- What is happening in the street? The street is filled with people. Perhaps there is a parade.
- Where are the shadows and what color are they? They are under projecting parts of the buildings and in the street,and they are blue.
- How is this painting like an impression rather than a finished artwork? The bright colors, unblended brushstrokes, and lack of intricate detail make it seem like a quick glance at a scene.
- Which flag in the middle ground stands alone and is not overlapped by other flags? The American flag is surrounded by light blue sky.
- What does this suggest about how Hassam felt about his country? He thought America was unique and was proud of his country.
- What international event was happening when this was painted? It was painted during World War I.
- Why were so many flags flying in New York City on this day? A month before this was painted, the United States officially entered the war. On this day the British and French war commissioners were visiting New York.
- What do these flags flying together symbolize? They symbolize the fact that these three nations were standing together to fight the war.
- What elements do the flags have in common? They are all red, blue, and white.
- What does this painting show about America’s spirit in 1917? Americans were proud of their country and optimistic about the future and this alliance with France, Britain, and Canada.
- Why did this painting become famous soon after it was completed? Color reproductions of it were sold to benefit the war effort.
- Why did Americans want copies of this painting? For the beauty of the art and to show support for America and its allies as it joined them in the war.