Artwork

Storm in Umbria

Storm in Umbria, by Elihu Vedder, oil, 1875
Storm in Umbria, by Elihu Vedder, oil, 1875

Storm in Umbria is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Elihu Vedder. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Storm in Umbria is an oil on canvas painting by Elihu Vedder, created between 1867 and 1875, depicting a dramatic weather scene in the Umbrian region of central Italy.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a contrasting moment of a storm in Umbria, with dark clouds and pale light dividing the sky, while a lone figure navigates a winding path amidst bent trees, evoking a sense of realism tinged with dreaminess, possibly reflecting the artist's personal experience of the region.

Technique & Style

Vedder's use of soft colors, even in the midst of a storm, contributes to the painting's dreamy quality. The contrast between light and dark elements showcases his ability to capture dramatic atmospheric effects.

History & Provenance

Following a tradition of American artists traveling to Italy for artistic enrichment, Vedder drew inspiration from Umbria's landscape during his extended travels there, leading to the creation of this piece.

Context

Part of a broader series of Umbrian scenes by Vedder, this painting reflects the 19th-century American artistic fascination with European landscapes and historical contexts.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Elihu Vedder

Artist

Elihu Vedder

Elihu Vedder (26 February 1836 – 29 January 1923) was an American symbolist painter, book illustrator and poet from New York City.