The Border of the Farm
J. Alden Weir (American, 1852–1919)
Medium: Oil on cradled hardboard panel
Dimensions: 50 x 39.5 in.
Frame Dimensions: 57.5 x 47.5 in.
Signed: Twice lower right
J. Alden Weir was a leading figure in early American Impressionism. Born in 1852, Weir trained at the National Academy School in New York and continued his studies in Europe at the École des Beaux-Arts under Jean-Léon Gérôme. His style evolved under the influence of outdoor painting sessions with Jules Bastien-Lepage and the works of James McNeill Whistler.
A prominent advocate for modern art, Weir was a founding member of the Society of American Artists, which challenged traditional academic standards. He played a vital role in introducing avant-garde European art to the United States, organizing the pivotal 1913 Armory Show and promoting works by artists such as Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, and his friend Jules Bastien-Lepage. Weir also served as President of the National Academy of Design from 1915 to 1917.
This serene depiction of a wooded farm border reflects Weir's mastery of light and atmosphere, hallmarks of his impressionistic approach. The original carved gilt wood frame enhances the timeless appeal of this artwork, a testament to Weir's enduring legacy in American art.
Provenance:
- Vose Galleries, Boston, Massachusetts (label verso)
- The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia
Exhibitions:
- J. Alden Weir Memorial Exhibition, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, March 17–April 20, 1924 (label verso)
- Provincetown Past and Present, Chrysler Art Museum of Provincetown, Provincetown, MA, September 27–December 7, 1958 (label verso)
