Artwork
Hillside Pastures—September
Hillside Pastures—September is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Willard Metcalf. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The painting is a part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a mature example from his career.
Willard Leroy Metcalf (1858–1925) created *Hillside Pastures—September* in 1922, an oil painting that exemplifies his engagement with the American Impressionist landscape tradition. This work captures an autumnal scene, rendered with a subtle palette and characteristic brushwork. As a prominent landscape artist and educator, Metcalf's contributions to American art are significant. The painting is a part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a mature example from his career.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a tranquil rural landscape, likely in early autumn, as indicated by its title. Rolling hills, covered in a blend of green and brown grasses, dominate the foreground and mid-ground. Scattered trees display foliage transitioning to yellow and red hues, signaling the seasonal change. A soft, light gray sky extends over the distant hills and woodlands, contributing to the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the natural setting.
Technique & Style
Metcalf employed a distinctive technique in *Hillside Pastures—September*, utilizing thick, visible brushstrokes that create a textured, impasto surface. The color scheme leans towards muted tones of green, brown, and gray, reflecting the natural light of an early autumn day. However, strategic applications of yellow and red introduce moments of vibrancy, characteristic of American Impressionism's engagement with light and atmospheric effects in depicting the changing seasons.
Context
Willard Metcalf's artistic training included studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later at the Académie Julian in Paris, foundational experiences for his landscape practice. He became a notable figure in American art, particularly as a member of the Ten American Painters, a group established in 1897 that championed an Impressionistic style. Metcalf also contributed to art education, holding teaching positions at institutions such as Cooper Union and the Art Students League in New York.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Willard Leroy Metcalf (July 1, 1858 – March 9, 1925) was an American painter born in Lowell, Massachusetts.
