Valley Road 1920

Marsden Hartley created "Valley Road" as an oil painting, though the exact date is unknown. This landscape, with its vibrant and somewhat jarring colors, embodies the search for a distinctly American artistic voice, free from European conventions. Hartley, like many artists of his time, wrestled with the question of national identity in art. The early 20th century saw a surge in American cultural nationalism, a desire to define what made American art unique, separate from its European influences. The rugged landscape became a symbol of this new American identity. Yet, Hartley's expressionist style was influenced by European avant-garde movements. This blending of influences reflects the complex cultural exchange happening at the time. Art historians look at Hartley's letters, essays, and the exhibition records of the time to further understand the artist’s social context. In doing so, we gain insight into the ongoing negotiation between American identity and global artistic trends.