Childe Hassam was an American impressionist painter born on October 17, 1859. He received little formal training, but he did extensive traveling nationally and abroad in order to study the masters. He lived in France for a time so that he could take lessons, but ultimately he chose to learn on his own, feeling that this freed him to develop his own style. He would not be impeded by the recommendations of other artists; he believed in expressing himself freely.
The Avenue in the Rain, the featured painting, is one of a series of thirty paintings known as the Flag Series. Hassam was originally inspired by a Preparedness Parade in New York during World War 1, when flags were hung all along Fifth Avenue. These parades lasted for more than twelve hours and were held by thousands of patriotic Americans. Hassam became avidly involved in the war effort, giving his paintings in exchange for Liberty Bonds. The Avenue in the Rain has been part of the permanent collection in the White House since Kennedy was president.
Shown below are other examples of his work, The Victorian Chair; August Afternoon, Appledore; and Washington Arch, Spring.
