Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Woodland Stream, 1897

Let's look at John J. Enneking's 1897 oil painting, A Woodland Stream, exhibited at the New Britain Museum of American Art.  Enneking was one of the early American impressionists.  He was born in Ohio, trained in Paris, and then settled in Boston where he resided and painted for several decades.


We will start by noticing the painting over the shoulder of a comely woman, Artemis, who was sculpted by Bela Lyon Pratt.  Pratt was on the faculty of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts art school, so he and Enneking shared a Boston connection.

Enneking was called the sunset painter because he liked to paint the late afternoon glow of the setting sun.

Frames are often taken for granted, but this one is worth a look, isn't it?

21 comments:

Kate said...

I always check out the frames when I'm in a museum. This close-up indicates why this is one of the pleasures I derive from visiting museums. It is lovely.

EG CameraGirl said...

The frame is elegant and suits the painting well.

SRQ said...

'A Woodland Stream' is my kind of painting. Nice feel to it, especially with the warm tone of the sun. A friend who collects antique paintings tipped me off to always check out the frame. Well, the SPD staff has its spring training tickets too. It's going to be island fun and baseball: staying on Sanibel and going to a BoSox game and a Twins game. Going to hit an Orioles game at some point as well.

Halcyon said...

I love that sculpture. So voluptuous and languid!
Thanks for showing the frame too. Sometimes I like the frame more than what's in it! :)

Lowell said...

I've been framed, but never like this. I'm glad that you included the 2nd and 3rd pics as I never noticed the painting at first. Why is that?

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

I never associated impressionism with Boston.

Malyss said...

Do you know Stendhal Syndrom? That's what I feel when seeing such marvels!

Sharon said...

I feel like I've had a mini stroll at the museum. Thanks for that. I agree about that frame, it's gorgeous and frames that painting perfectly.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

So it's not only photographers that like that evening glow hey Jack..As from next week I'll be tangled in some strange positions like your voluptuous lady..in Pilates classes!!

Sylvia K said...

What a wonderful painting and the frame is indeed beautiful! And a lovely "lady", too, wonder if she distracts some viewers attention from the painting!! Beautiful captures for the day, Jack!

Cezar and Léia said...

Love the first composition.The painting is adorable and the sculpture is delicate and beautiful!Very special!
hugs
Léia

cieldequimper said...

Lovely landscape and comely? Yes, I suppose that's the word. :-)

Dianne said...

Oh! that frame is beautiful Jack ..... what a lovely title "The Sunset Painter" and he certainly knows how to transfer the soft afternoon glow onto canvas.

RedPat said...

A nice little tour of the setting from the first pic! Good one, Jack.

Michelle said...

All beautiful pieces with such perfect details.

Randy said...

Beautiful painting and that's some frame too.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

He has captured the soft afternoon glow that we photographers seek. The frame is intricate and carefully carved, a frame worthy of the painting.

Bises,
Genie

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Love the clean, warm feel of the rooms in this museum. It must be a pleasure to stroll the space and take in its offerings.

Unknown said...

Great composition on top and wonderful detail of the golden frame.

CaT said...

i often find the frames distracting and prefer simpler ones...

William Kendall said...

Beautiful art! I'm surprised you could photograph in a gallery.