Who painted The Big Cedar?

The Big Cedar was painted by Childe Hassam in 1927.

Where can I see The Big Cedar?

The Big Cedar is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Big Cedar?

Museum-quality prints of The Big Cedar are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Big Cedar

Childe Hassam , 1927

The Big Cedar is an ink print by Childe Hassam. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1927, *The Big Cedar* is a black‑ink etching by American painter Childe Hassam. Known for his role in bringing Impressionist ideas to the United States, Hassam worked in a range of media, producing thousands of images over his career. This print exemplifies his sustained interest in the graphic arts alongside his more familiar oil paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a towering cedar whose expansive limbs dominate the picture plane. A low wooden fence runs across the foreground, while a modest structure—likely a house or barn—and a cart sit in the distance, suggesting a quiet rural setting. The scene conveys a calm, unadorned atmosphere that invites contemplation of nature’s simple elegance.

Technique & Style

Executed as a traditional intaglio etching, Hassam employed a single black ink to render line, tone, and texture. The work relies on delicate cross‑hatching and varied line weight to suggest foliage, bark, and the surrounding architecture. Though rendered in monochrome, the piece retains an Impressionist sensibility through its emphasis on atmospheric effect and the fleeting quality of light.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the later phase of Hassam’s career, a period when he increasingly explored printmaking as a complementary practice to his canvases. While specific ownership records are limited, *The Big Cedar* has appeared in several exhibition catalogues of Hassam’s graphic oeuvre, underscoring its role in documenting his diverse artistic output.