New-York tribune., 1907-12-18
PICTURES BY MR. CHILDE HAssAM.

At the Montross Gallery AIr. Childe Hassam has
exhibition fifteen twenty pictures dating
from different periods. but mostly new. and. with
one or two exceptions. unfamiliar. They well
illustrate his range, embracing they do figure
studies. landscapes. marines, and notes Of what
can only be described as the scenery OF New York.
The sources of Mr.. Hassam's art which this group
or pictures first and last emphasizes his pas
sion for the open air and his instinct for color.
The bright ringing tones in his work fill the room
as with the inauguration Of breezy spring day.
He paints the sunshine and its effect upon the
fresh quivering world OF cleaning trees and flow
with q compelling fervor In his best pictures.
such June Morning-The Laurel Bush" the
truth of nature is painted with eager and in
innate a brush that its poetry. too, is captured a
thing half unconsciously surprised. The natural
magic in which Mr.. Hassam deals is not the
magic OF the dreamer, the of imagination; 1t
is that OF the observer.
II does not matter that Of the paintings here
is called 'Leda-' That title the catalogue does
not for a moment inspire recall the old
legend. AL that matters is that Mr. Hassam has
watched the light sitting through the bank
Of a stream, and that It has satisfied his of
beauty place q nude figure beneath their shadow
and then to introduce, just beyond. on the bosom
Of the water, tbs shining white form of a swan.
The effect. I'm far it is romantic at all, has
in il the romance of living LEAKAGE. OF light and
air, of vibrant color This Joyous of mother
earth comes out again and again in Mr. Hassams
work, SO joyously, and with such a tang Of truth.
that nnomentarily forgets the medium OF
preston. thinks only Of the thing expressed.
That is q triumph by itself. and Mr.. Hassam is
often triumphant, often of himself. only using
his technique TO end The June
Morning and the 'Leda" are. to use a musical ex-
preston. full. rich chords Very nearly the
power is disclosed In the coast scene called
''SylphS Rock, Appiedore," in two or three spark
ling marines. and in the firmly modelled portrait.
Bonnie Moore which is also vivid bit of color
But in these. and. more obviously, In certain
other paintings. Mr.. Hassam exposes the liuita-
tons which have often modified enjoyment Of
his art
Whether II is because his mood is constantly one
OF curious experimentation. or because he is bur-
dened by some enduring idiosyncrasy OF vision and
OF hand. his grasp upon his material seems again
and again 10 be relaxed and then 10 be reasserted
only by main strength His temperament would
10 be positively lyrical IL We may judge from
the gusto with which he seeks interpret the
loveness OF nature His style. more often than
not, hints at excessive labor, at a manipulation of
pigment, little by little squeezing out OF given
motive all Of its original juices. He does give
the impression of seeing his material steadily
ing it whole and transferring II TO canvas at
In a burst of emotion and with absolute control
over his instruments. The effect, rather, is of a
theme studied until sheer intensity Of gaze has
confused its values. Look, for example at "The
Hemlock Ledge The artists aim is dmly felt.
You DO not instantly. and with conviction
of beauty. what he wishes you 10 Mr.. Has
sans work is too sincere for look in
IL for traces of mannerisrn but, when all is said
he excites somewhat the same dubety is raised
by the hammered painter. His method. which he
cultivates sensitively and with such ardor. IS
forever getting between his picture and the behold
er He will give you d handsome piece of paint
ing for its sake where. If he were rising TO
the full height Of his gifts. he would leave you
10 take that for granted as the vehicle of an ex-
ouiste charm, a charm all bound up in his feel
ing for the beauty of nature. That ne excites not
only admiration. but these very keen regrets. is
at least a testimony the vitality in his work
The character represented by this exhibition,
taken as whole IS that OF individualized and
,roeyrassive nainter r. G.