The Alban Hills

Artist George Inness (American, 1825–1894)

Date1873

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 78.4 × 114.5 cm (30 7/8 × 45 1/16 in.)
framed: 113.7 × 149.9 cm (44 3/4 × 59 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift from the Lucius J. Knowles Art Fund, St. Wulstan Society, and Museum purchase

Terms

Object number1906.1

Label TextInness executed this painting during his second visit to Europe (1870-75), which included an extended stay in Italy. Such an excursion was part of the Grand Tour, or a formative trip abroad undertaken by affluent members of society to experience the history and culture of the Continent. Alban Hills—a site created by prehistoric volcanic activity—provided a refuge for tourists seeking to escape the summer heat and crowds of Rome. With his expressive brushwork and skillful handling of bright, naturalistic color influenced by the French Barbizon style, Inness captures the grandeur of this sweeping panorama. Pastoral details, like the travelers mingling with shepherds who guide their flocks among classical ruins, testify to his admiration of the Italian landscape and his embrace of a new artistic style. Provenance(R. C. Vose, Boston, ?-1906); Museum purchase, 1906

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On view

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