Who painted Storm in Umbria?

Storm in Umbria was painted by Elihu Vedder in 1875.

Where can I see Storm in Umbria?

Storm in Umbria is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Storm in Umbria?

Storm in Umbria is associated with American Impressionism.

Artwork

Storm in Umbria

Elihu Vedder , 1875

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

About this work

Overview

Created in 1875, *Storm in Umbria* is an oil painting by American artist Elihu Vedder. The work belongs to the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and reflects Vedder’s engagement with the late‑19th‑century currents of American Impressionism and Symbolism.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a rugged landscape under a brooding sky, with a solitary figure perched on a hill, staff in hand, gazing toward an approaching storm. The juxtaposition of the lone observer against the vast, turbulent atmosphere suggests a contemplation of humanity’s place within nature’s elemental forces.

Technique & Style

Vedder employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting luminous highlights with deep shadows to heighten the scene’s drama. The palette of muted earth tones punctuated by darker clouds creates atmospheric depth, while the composition guides the eye from the foreground figure to the distant mountain range, reinforcing a sense of spatial recession.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains on display. Vedder, best known for his illustrations for Edward FitzGerald’s *The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam*, produced this work during a period when his interest in mythic and natural subjects was intensifying.