Bathing Pool, Appledore 1907

Childe Hassam created this vibrant painting using oils, a traditional medium, to capture a summer scene at Appledore. Notice how the thick, short brushstrokes give texture to the rocks and a sense of movement to the water. The way Hassam applies the paint—almost like dabs of color—shows the influence of Impressionism. It is a way of building up the image slowly, through labor intensive process. But it is not only about technique. The scene itself speaks to social and cultural significance, the bathing pool hinting at leisure time, and the emergence of a tourist economy. Hassam’s choice to paint en plein air, directly in front of the subject, captures the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. By emphasizing materiality, process, and context, we move beyond traditional art history to recognize the cultural values embedded in the work.