Artwork
Lafayette Street
Lafayette Street is an ink print by Childe Hassam. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1918, *Lafayette Street* is a black lithograph by American painter Childe Hassam. Known for his Impressionist approach to cityscapes, Hassam rendered a bustling New York corner with a swift, gestural hand. The work captures the fleeting energy of an urban moment, emphasizing light, shadow, and the rhythm of street life.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a busy intersection framed by tightly packed façades, illuminated windows, and street signage. Pedestrians traverse the sidewalk, some bearing bags or umbrellas, suggesting a typical day in early‑twentieth‑century Manhattan. By focusing on ordinary activity, Hassam underscores the vitality of modern city life, a recurring theme in his oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the image relies on bold, scribbled lines and dense black areas to suggest form and depth. Hassam balances fine details—such as lampposts and storefront lettering—with larger, simplified shapes that convey the mass of the buildings. The rapid, sketch‑like quality mirrors the immediacy of Impressionist painting, translated into print.
History & Provenance
*Lafayette Street* was produced during a prolific period when Hassam created over three thousand works across painting, drawing, and print media. While specific ownership records are limited, the lithograph forms part of the artist’s extensive print output that helped disseminate his urban vision to a broader audience in the United States.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Childe Hassam was an American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban and coastal scenes.
