Mountain Blossoms, Volda

Media - 1967.59.899 - SAAM-1967.59.899_1-000001 - 81376
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.)
Markings
stretcher upper left in red: "MOUNTAIN BLOSSOMS"/67.59.899 (NOR-285) stretcher upper right in black marker: CAT #45 frame center right in black: FO 311
Credit Line
Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on burlap
Classifications
Keywords
  • 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.