Landscape with House
(1870-1937)
This bright little landscape study is a wonderful example of Breckenridge’s loose impressionist style. The subject is almost abstracted as the picture is made up of a swirling mass of juicy brushstrokes, laid down directly on the wood panel without any blending or fussing around. Most likely executed in a single sitting, this piece provides a fascinating glimpse into this artist’s unique way of seeing.
Breckenridge’s importance as an artist and as a teacher makes him a key figure in early twentieth-century American art. Yet his work, like that of Arthur Carles, is still undervalued. This landscape is a fine example of Breckenridge’s mature style before he turned his attention fully to abstraction. The work’s excellent condition and period frame make it a wonderful addition to collection of American Impressionism or early Modernism.
