Vieille Maison at Porte

William H. Johnson, Vieille Maison at Porte, ca. 1927, oil on burlap, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.694
Copied 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
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
Mediums Description
oil on burlap
Classifications
Subjects
  • Architecture — bridge
  • Architecture Exterior — domestic — house
  • Architecture Exterior — detail — tower
  • Landscape — France — Porte
  • Architecture Exterior — domestic — Vieille Maison
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.