Artwork
On the Ways
On the Ways 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, Childe Hassam’s lithograph titled “On the Ways” presents a bustling shipyard scene. Rendered in black on wove paper, the print captures a large vessel in the midst of construction, surrounded by an intricate network of scaffolding that frames the central focus.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a partially assembled ship, its hull supported by a lattice of temporary structures. Around the vessel, workers and ancillary equipment suggest a lively environment, emphasizing the collective effort and technical skill involved in building a maritime craft.
Technique & Style
Executed with lithographic processes, Hassam employs bold structural lines and varied shading to convey depth and motion. The contrast between dense, dark areas and lighter tones creates a sense of immediacy, while the detailed rendering of scaffolding highlights the artist’s interest in industrial processes.
History & Provenance
Produced during the final year of World War I, the print reflects contemporary concerns with shipbuilding and industrial labor. It remains part of Hassam’s print oeuvre, documented in museum collections and catalogues of early 20th‑century American lithography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Childe Hassam was an American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban and coastal scenes.
