Mountain Blossoms, Volda

William H. Johnson, Mountain Blossoms, Volda, ca. 1936-1937, oil on burlap, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.899
Copied William H. Johnson, Mountain Blossoms, Volda, ca. 1936-1937, oil on burlap, 25 x 29 in. (63.5 x 73.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.899

Artwork Details

Title
Mountain Blossoms, Volda
Artist
Date
ca. 1936-1937
Location
Dimensions
25 x 29 in. (63.5 x 73.7 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on burlap
Classifications
Subjects
  • Landscape — tree
  • Landscape — Norway — Volda
Object Number
1967.59.899
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1967.59.899

Artwork Description

William H. Johnson painted several images of fruit trees against dramatic mountain backdrops on his trips through Norway. He captured the apple blossoms in Volda, then traveled to Hardangerfjord, an area known for its cherry, apple, plum, and pear orchards (Powell, Homecoming: The Art and Life of William H. Johnson, 1991). Here, the bright whites and reds of the flowers stand out vividly against the green of new leaves and darker mountain shadows, emphasizing the dazzling effect of spring in the cold northern landscape.