Artwork
Storm King
Storm King 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
The grays blend smoothly, like pencil shading, giving a quiet, rainy-day mood.
This print shows soft shadows on rolling hills around a wide, still lake. A small steamboat sits low on the dark water near the horizon. The grays blend smoothly, like pencil shading, giving a quiet, rainy-day mood.
Childe Hassam made this in 1918, early for his later color work. The thin paper feels fragile under glass, yet the image stays sharp.
See how smooth the ink is? That’s lithography—ink sticks to stone then prints this way.
Overview
Storm King is a 1918 lithograph by Childe Hassam, created in black ink on wove paper. It is an early example of Hassam's printmaking work, preceding his later focus on color.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene landscape featuring a lake, rolling hills, and a steamboat on the horizon. The tranquil atmosphere and harmonious blending of natural and man-made elements evoke a sense of calm.
Technique & Style
The lithograph showcases Hassam's skill with the medium, characterized by smooth gradations of gray and subtle shading. The technique involves transferring ink from a stone to paper, resulting in a sharp, even image.
History & Provenance
Created in 1918, Storm King is an early work in Hassam's oeuvre, marking a point before his extensive exploration of color in his art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Childe Hassam was an American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban and coastal scenes.
