Nocturne: Night in American Art, 1890-1917

Nocturnes, or paintings of night scenes, have a long and rich history in Western art. The genre originated in the 17th century, when artists such as Rembrandt and Georges de La Tour began to experiment with the effects of artificial light on the human form and landscape. By the 19th century, nocturnes had become a popular subject for artists of all stripes, and they continue to be created today.

Nocturne: Night in American Art, 1890-1917

by Negar Mottahedeh

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40884 KB
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In the United States, the nocturne genre gained popularity in the late 19th century, as artists began to explore the possibilities of representing the urban and rural landscape at night. Some of the most famous American nocturnes were created during this period, including Winslow Homer's "The Gulf Stream" (1899) and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" (1942).

Nocturnes offer artists a unique opportunity to explore the effects of light and shadow, and to create a sense of mystery and atmosphere. They can also be used to convey a sense of time and place, and to evoke the emotions and experiences of the people who live and work in the night.

The nocturnes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of the United States. As cities grew and became more industrialized, artists began to depict the night as a place of both beauty and danger. Nocturnes of this period often feature scenes of urban life, such as streetlights, skyscrapers, and traffic, as well as images of the working class and the poor.

In the early 20th century, American artists began to experiment with new ways of representing the night. Some artists, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Arthur Dove, used abstract forms and colors to create nocturnes that evoked the feeling of the night without depicting any specific scene. Other artists, such as Edward Hopper and Charles Burchfield, used a more realistic style to depict the night as a place of mystery and loneliness.

The nocturne genre continues to be popular in American art today, as artists continue to find new ways to explore the possibilities of the night. Contemporary nocturnes often feature images of the suburbs, the natural world, and the human figure. They can be used to convey a sense of beauty, mystery, and isolation.

Here are some of the most famous and influential American nocturnes created between 1890 and 1917:

* Winslow Homer, "The Gulf Stream" (1899) * Edward Hopper, "Nighthawks" (1942) * Georgia O'Keeffe, "The Night" (1927) * Arthur Dove, "Moonrise" (1929) * Charles Burchfield, "The Night Wind" (1917)

These paintings are just a few examples of the many nocturnes that were created during this period. Together, they provide a glimpse into the ways that American artists have explored the possibilities of the night and its unique qualities.

Nocturne: Night in American Art, 1890-1917

by Negar Mottahedeh

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	40884 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

FREE