The artwork titled “Winter in Union Square” was executed by the artist Childe Hassam in 1892. This oil on canvas represents an impressionist cityscape and measures 18 1/4 by 18 inches (46.4 x 45.7 cm). It is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US.
“Winter in Union Square” captures a vivid scene of everyday life in New York during the winter. Hassam’s use of light and color typical of the Impressionist movement imbues the cityscape with a sense of atmosphere and immediacy. The painting portrays a snowy day, with the ground covered in a blanket of white. The snow appears fresh and unstained, suggesting a recent snowfall.
The composition is active with the bustling energy of city life, featuring horse-drawn carriages, trolleys, and figures dotting the snowy landscape. The brushwork is loose and expressive, creating a serene yet lively depiction of the urban environment. The grey and blue tones in the sky contrast with the warmer hues of the vehicles and structures, hinting at the chill of winter air mingling with the warmth of human activity.
In the background, the architecture fades into a misty, wintry haze, giving the impression of a crowded metropolis despite the weather. Hassam masterfully balances the urban elements with the natural phenomenon of snow, showing how life in the city continues even in the cold embrace of winter.
