mrs hassams garden at east hampton 1934 Childe Frederick Hassam (1859-1935)

The composition presents a domestic scene, seemingly captured outdoors within a cultivated garden setting. A round table dominates the foreground, upon which a collection of ripe apples is arranged in a shallow dish. Beside this arrangement sits a tall glass vase filled with vibrant yellow lilies, their stems extending upwards and slightly beyond the frame’s upper edge.
The table itself appears to be positioned near the base of a substantial tree trunk, its bark rendered with thick, textured brushstrokes that suggest age and resilience. A stone planter, also situated close to the tree, provides an additional layer of depth within the scene. The background is characterized by dense foliage – a tapestry of greens punctuated by hints of yellow and other floral hues – creating a sense of enclosure and tranquility.
The artist’s application of paint is notable; short, broken strokes are employed throughout, imparting a shimmering quality to the light and contributing to an overall impression of vitality. The color palette leans heavily on greens and yellows, with the red apples providing a striking contrast. A draped cloth, featuring shades of orange, red, and blue, adds a touch of domesticity and softens the edges of the table.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a moment of quiet contemplation or leisure. The presence of fresh flowers and fruit implies abundance and prosperity. The deliberate placement of objects – the careful arrangement of apples, the upright posture of the lilies – hints at an intentionality that transcends mere documentation; it speaks to a cultivated aesthetic sensibility. The garden itself becomes symbolic, representing not just a physical space but also a sanctuary, a place of refuge from external concerns. The dense foliage and limited view beyond suggest a deliberate withdrawal from the wider world, emphasizing the intimacy of this private moment.