These are, of course, patently patriotic; they mark events including the Preparadeness Day parade of 1916 (depicted here). The flags also offered Hassam a terrifically picturesque subject: block after block of colorful fabric against the massive gray stone buildings. For an Impressionist devoted to color and pattern, the visual appeal proved irresistible.
More examples of Hassam's flag paintings are here and here. And for the very curious reader, I recommend Ilene Fort's book. Happy Independence Day!
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1 comments:
Just discovered your blog and will visit again - didn't realize Childe H. had painted so many flag works and had never heard of Preparedness Day which I was prompted to learn more about. Seems like such a quaint concept now that we know we're never really prepared. Thanks,Suzanne
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