Under the Trees - Monhegan 1918

Editor: This is Robert Henri's "Under the Trees - Monhegan," painted in 1918. The oil paint gives this scene such vibrancy, almost an electrifying jolt through the trees. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: The interplay of light and shadow is key. Notice how the brilliant, almost primordial, yellows push against the dark, silent trunks of the trees. Light in forests often carries spiritual connotations of rebirth or awakening, reflecting the psychological need for revelation. Henri's expressive brushstrokes deepen that impact, wouldn't you say? Editor: Definitely, the brushstrokes are very visible. Is there significance to the choice of Monhegan as a setting? Curator: Absolutely. Monhegan, like many artist communities, functioned almost like a utopian space. It fostered artistic freedom, particularly in the plein-air tradition. The forest there takes on a new life as a place of introspection and almost mystical experience. I would say that there is the impressionistic element here as it reflects both personal experience of an era, but the emphasis leans on symbolism through color and composition. Do you feel a sense of tranquility, despite the bold colors? Editor: That’s interesting – tranquility is not the first thing that comes to mind. There’s something almost anxious about the stark contrasts, that’s the lasting impression. Curator: Indeed. The expressionist landscape is charged, not passively reflecting the scenery, but actively reshaping it. It seems that Monhegan wasn't always quietude, perhaps hinting to a silent undercurrent of unrest? Editor: I never considered that interpretation of expressionism. Curator: Hopefully it provided an introduction into looking at the artist in conjunction with their setting to gain insights into an otherwise, natural experience.