1 1/2 cols

Frank Benson (1862–1951), “Portrait of a Child Sewing,” 1897, oil on canvas, 30¼ by 24 inches. National Academy Museum.

1 1/2  cols.

John La Farge (1835–1910), “Magnolia,” 1860, oil on panel, 16 by 11½ inches.            Collection of the Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, Mass.

2 cols.

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859–1937), “Miraculous Haul of Fishes,” circa 1913–14, oil on canvas, 38 by 47½ inches. National Academy Museum.

MUST RUN 9/14

NATIONAL ACADEMY AMERICAN IMPRESSIONS SELECTIONS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION w/3 cuts

ak/gs set 9/10 #711670

NEW YORK CITY — Featuring 32 masterworks of American Impressionism from the collection of the National Academy Museum, complemented by three loans from Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Mass., “American Impressions: Selection from the Permanent Collection” offers a fresh perspective on this celebrated period in American art. The exhibit is on view through January 5, and there will be a reception on September 18 at the academy.

Exploring the landscape from coast to coast under varying effects of light and atmosphere, the works on view include paintings by such celebrated figures as George Bellows (1882–1925), William Merritt Chase (1849–1916), Thomas Wilmer Dewing (1851–1938), Lilian Westcott Hale (1881–1963), Childe Hassam (1859–1935), John La Farge (1835–1910), John Singer Sargent (1836–1925) and Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859–1937).

The rise of American Impressionism signaled a new cosmopolitanism in the nation’s art following the end of the Civil War in 1865. Fleeting effects of light and atmosphere compelled new admiration among artists and patrons, and major figures such as William Merritt Chase taught the style to new generations of artists in American academies, even as their expatriate colleagues such as John Singer Sargent enhanced the standing of American art abroad and worked directly with their French peers. Collectively, they established a climate for art in America that would flourish into the new century.

Begun in 1825, the National Academy of Design in New York City (known today as the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts) was already a venerated institution by the later Nineteenth Century.

Younger artists working an Impressionist style were initially met with reluctance from more established academy artists, but within two decades they too were elected to the academy’s leadership. Virtually every major American Impressionist was elected to membership in the academy and their presentation of key examples of their work to the collection documents their admiration for the institution and its mission to promote American art.

Just as newcomers to the academy will find accomplished works on display by well-known masters, more seasoned visitors will discover an array of distinguished examples by figures such as John Folinsbee (1892–1972), Birge Harrison (1854–1929), Aldro Hibbard (1886–1972), Walter Launt Palmer (1854–1932), Chauncey Ryder (1868–1949) and Robert Spencer (1879–1931) that will deepen their appreciation for the period. “American Impressions” provides a fresh, new look at an enduring popular style.

The National Academy is at 1083 Fifth Avenue. For information, 212-369-4880 or www.nationalacademy.org.