Is Spring Night, Harlem River under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

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Ernest Lawson, a member of turn of the 19th and 20th Century group of American painters known as The Eight, and an exhibitor in the 1913 Armory Show, achieved early recognition with his impressionist landscape paintings. Lawson studied at the Art Students League in New York, and took summer classes in Cos Cob, Connecticut under John Henry Twachtman and Julian Alden Weir. Additionally, while living in France from 1893-1896, Lawson briefly attended the Acedémie Julian and shared a Paris studio with the writer Somerset Maugham, who used him as the model for the artist in his novel, Of Human Bondage. A meeting with Alfred Sisley at Moret-sur-Loing confirmed Lawson’s love of painting outdoors. Settled in New York by 1898, Lawson concentrated on sites of upper Manhattan – their light, seasons, and times of day. It was during this time that he joined the rebellion against the National Academy of Design when his work was rejected in 1905, and through his friend William Glackens, became a member of the Eight. Spring Night Harlem River is a work that comes from the pinnacle of Lawson’s career. In it, the Washington Bridge at 181st Street is observed from below, against the night sky, heightening the drama and the powerful impact of the huge span. The blue and green tonalities of the painting, with its white, pink and gold highlights create a rich tapestry of color that undoubtedly attracted Duncan Phillips. To express how it enchanted him, he drew oh his literary background: “His ‘Moonlight Harlem River’ is Shakespearean with its home lights and bridge lamps glimmering in a tremulous turquoise air as in some garden of romance.”

Questions & Answers

What level of contrast does "Spring Night, Harlem River" by Ernest Lawson show?

"Spring Night, Harlem River" by Ernest Lawson shows a gentle contrast between its light and dark areas.

How old was Ernest Lawson when creating "Spring Night, Harlem River" in 1913?

Ernest Lawson made "Spring Night, Harlem River" at the age of 40. The artist was born in 1873 and the work is dated 1913.

How can I view "Spring Night, Harlem River" by Ernest Lawson as a slideshow?

"Spring Night, Harlem River" by Ernest Lawson can be viewed as a slideshow on the artwork's Diaporama page.

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Artist Biography

early life and training

ernest lawson, a prominent figure in the american impressionist movement, was born on march 22, 1873, in halifax, nova scotia, canada. in 1888, he moved to the united states, settling in kansas city, and later, in 1891, he made his way to new york, where he enrolled in classes at the art students league. under the tutelage of john twachtman, lawson was introduced to impressionism, which would significantly influence his formative years.

artistic development and influences

lawson's style, characterized by a blend of impressionism and realism, was shaped by his interactions with various artists. he studied at the académie julian in paris in 1893, where he met jean-joseph benjamin-constant and jean-paul laurens. his plein air painting experiences in southern france and moret-sur-loing, where he encountered alfred sisley, an english impressionist, further enriched his artistic perspective.

the eight and notable exhibitions

in 1908, lawson joined the eight, a group of artists protesting the narrow tastes and restrictive exhibition policies of the national academy of design. this association led to a pivotal exhibition at the macbeth galleries in new york, which garnered significant media attention and sparked debate about the diversity of style and subject matter in american art.

city suburbs, one of lawson's notable works, is now part of the phillips collection in washington, d.c., showcasing his unique blend of impressionism and realism. (view at TopImpressionists)
another piece, approaching storm, also in the phillips collection, demonstrates lawson's mastery of capturing the essence of american landscapes. (view at TopImpressionists)
for more on ernest lawson and his contributions to american impressionism, visit his page on TopImpressionists.

legacy and impact

lawson's understated yet vibrant style, described by art critic james gibbons huneker as originating from a "palette of crushed jewels," has left an indelible mark on american art. his participation in the eight and his unique artistic approach have made him a notable figure in the history of impressionism. key points: * born: march 22, 1873, halifax, nova scotia, canada * died: december 18, 1939 * notable works: city suburbs, approaching storm * influences: john twachtman, jean-joseph benjamin-constant, alfred sisley * association: the eight * style: blend of impressionism and realism