Overlooking the Valley c. 1919

Editor: This is Edward Willis Redfield’s “Overlooking the Valley,” painted around 1919 using oil paints in the open air. The blanket of snow and muted colors give it such a peaceful, almost melancholic feel. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It's fascinating how Redfield captures the quiet of a snow-covered landscape, especially considering the historical context. Painted just after World War I, the painting evokes a sense of yearning for normalcy. This rural scene provides a stark contrast to the industrialization and wartime devastation happening globally. Do you think this imagery served as an escape for its viewers? Editor: Absolutely, it does seem like a deliberate retreat to simpler times. Was this a common sentiment reflected in art of the period? Curator: Definitely. We see similar themes in the works of other American Impressionists. Redfield, however, brings a unique focus to the everyday, elevating the mundane to a subject of beauty and contemplation. His focus on the readily accessible scenes resonates with the rise of a middle class finding value in homegrown scenes. Editor: It’s interesting to consider that this “escape” also carries its own social implications. So it isn’t necessarily disconnected from socio-political forces. Curator: Precisely. Think about the choices Redfield makes – this specific valley, the vantage point. These choices speak to ideas about the idealized American landscape. Redfield presents a particular vision of rural life, one that excludes the complexities and hardships faced by many. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum; even landscapes carry political undertones. Editor: That really changes how I see the painting! I originally just appreciated its aesthetic qualities. Thank you for offering that perspective! Curator: And thank you for pointing out the initial emotional impact; that direct response is so vital. Looking at art through both lenses enriches the experience.