Vieille Maison at Porte

William H. Johnson, Vieille Maison at Porte, ca. 1927, oil on burlap, 24 x 20 ¹⁄₈ in. (61.0 x 51.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.694

Artwork Details

Title: Vieille Maison at Porte
Artist: William H. Johnson
Date: ca. 1927
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 24 x 20 ¹⁄₈ in. (61.0 x 51.0 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Mediums: oil
Mediums Description: oil on burlap
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Landscape — France — Porte
Architecture Exterior — domestic — Vieille Maison
Architecture — bridge
Architecture Exterior — domestic — house
Architecture Exterior — detail — tower
Object Number: 1967.59.694
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1967.59.694

Artwork Description

William H. Johnson first traveled to Europe when he was twenty-five, settling in Paris for a year before moving to the south of France. Here, Johnson tried out the style of French impressionists, using thick strokes of pure color to evoke bright sunlight and luminous shadows falling on an ancient house in the town of Chartres. The image suggests Johnson’s optimism and excitement at finding himself in Europe, where American artists had gone for generations to sharpen their skills.