Throughout his career, Childe Hassam created more than 3,000 works of art. Learn more about this talented master artist in this free homeschool article!
“Art, to me, is the interpretation of the impression which nature makes upon the eye and brain.” ~Childe Hassam
The Early Life of Childe Hassam
Childe Hassam (pronunciation) was born on October 17, 1859, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was the eldest of five children born to a successful textile merchant. Hassam’s parents were both from England, however, his mother had more of an influence on him than his father did. She encouraged her son to draw and paint from an early age and even bought him art supplies to practice with and build his skills.
Childe Hassam’s Artist Career
At age 18, Hassam decided to pursue a career in art and moved to New York City, where he studied at the National Academy of Design from 1877-1882. It is here that he was exposed to many different styles of art and began experimenting with various techniques, such as Tonalism and Impressionism. He also developed an interest in Japanese prints, which greatly influenced his work.
In the late 1880s, Hassam began to focus on seascapes and cityscapes, depicting impressionistic scenes of New York City. He experimented with light and color to create a sense of movement and atmosphere. His works often featured boats, ships, or other symbols of the industrial age.
Hassam also created a series of paintings known as the Flag series, which depicted scenes of patriotism during World War I. He painted flags as seen waving in streets and parks across the country to show his support for America’s involvement in the war effort. The works were widely praised for their beauty and symbolism.
He began teaching at the Art Students League of New York in 1891. He was also elected to the National Academy of Design and served as president from 1906-1909.
An Artist’s Death
He died in 1935 at the age of 76. Throughout his career, Hassam created more than 3,000 works of art– a massive body of work that is treasured by art historians today.
He is remembered as one of America’s most influential and beloved artists. His works have been exhibited at major museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which houses some 900 of his works. He is also honored on a U.S. postage stamp, which was issued in 1998 in commemoration of the centennial of his birth. Through his large body of works and each person who appreciates them, his legacy endures.
Childe Hassam, American Impressionist (Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)
Childe Hassam: Selected PaintingsChilde Hassam: Impressionist
