Sunset Scene

Edward Mitchell Bannister, Sunset Scene, ca. 1875-1885, oil on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dr. Charles Mandell, 1983.95.82
Copied Edward Mitchell Bannister, Sunset Scene, ca. 1875-1885, oil on wood, 10 3⁄4 x 18 7⁄8 in. (27.2 x 48.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dr. Charles Mandell, 1983.95.82
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Sunset Scene
Artist
Date
ca. 1875-1885
Location
Dimensions
10 3⁄4 x 18 7⁄8 in. (27.2 x 48.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Charles Mandell
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Waterscape — coast
  • Architecture — boat — sailboat
  • Landscape — time — sunset
Object Number
1983.95.82
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1983.95.82

Artwork Description

Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828–1901) lived by the sea for most of his life, and many of his paintings, including Sunset Scene, feature boats or bodies of water. Here, the glowing oranges and yellows immediately draw us into the center of the image, highlighting the indistinct trees and buildings in the background. Bannister's intimate views of the American landscape contrast with the large vistas of mountains and canyons painted by many of his contemporaries. This picturesque scene, in which nature is shown as passive and calm, is typical of Bannister's work.