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
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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
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.