The Fourth of July by Childe Hassam (Interpretation and Analysis)

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The Fourth of July
Source: Wikimedia Commons
In honor of the Fourth of July, I thought I’d share a painting that celebrates the holiday. The Fourth of July depicts the celebration of American independence in New York City in 1916, showing the Independence Day Parade down Fifth Avenue while American flags wave from every window. It captures America on the brink of entering World War I, preserving the spirit of patriotism that pervaded in the days leading up to the war.

The piece itself is a fine example of American Impressionism. Although Impressionism is commonly associated with French art, the United States had a thriving Impressionist movement, and Childe Hassam was one of its leading figures. Along with his contemporaries, Hassam was responsible for popularizing Impressionism in America. Today, Hassam is known for his paintings of urban and coastal scenes; however his flag series—to which The Fourth of July belongs—comprises some of his best known pieces.

Like all the paintings in the flag series, The Fourth of July is impressionist in style, sketching the parade and the patriotic attendants in loose, painterly brushstrokes. The flags are the only parts of the painting that are distinct. Here, Hassam masterfully captures a timeless image of American independence without reference to politics, history, or current events, making it a universally appealing image of American patriotism.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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