Picnic at Macatawa
Identifier
1998.580.1
Date Created
1904
Work Medium
Dimensions
40 in x 30 in x ;47" x 37.5"
Thesaurus of Geographic Names Location
Art & Architecture Thesaurus Categories
Historical Context
This is an autobiographical account of Alten's family enjoying a picnic in the dunes by Lake Macatawa at Holland, Michigan. The emphasis is on creating a harmonious relationship between man and nature as well as displaying the vitality and freedom of the subjects and their interactions.
In the early 1900s, workers in the white collar sector of Chicago often visited Lake Macatawa as a vacation spot, bringing a lot of business and industry to the area. Residents of Grand Rapids, such as the Altens, would take the electric Interurban to the lakeshore to enjoy time away from work and the city. This wonderfully intimate scene of their extended family illustrates the influence of Impressionism on Alten. Using visible brush strokes, Alten emphasizes the changing qualities of light as it is filtered through the trees.
In the early 1900s, workers in the white collar sector of Chicago often visited Lake Macatawa as a vacation spot, bringing a lot of business and industry to the area. Residents of Grand Rapids, such as the Altens, would take the electric Interurban to the lakeshore to enjoy time away from work and the city. This wonderfully intimate scene of their extended family illustrates the influence of Impressionism on Alten. Using visible brush strokes, Alten emphasizes the changing qualities of light as it is filtered through the trees.
Description
Gathering in a clearing in the woods with picnic tables. A man stands with two girls in the foreground.
Credit
Gift of George H. and Barbara Gordon
