Crowd at the Seashore

William James Glackens

ca. 1910 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

Like his fellow urban realists, Glackens was drawn to Coney Island, and this painting may depict the democratic throngs that gathered there. The number and variety of beachgoers suggest the socioeconomic diversity of New York, and imbue the painting with a lively, modern spirit. To heighten the scene’s energy, Glackens used a vibrant palette and vigorous brushwork, applying saturated oranges and blues to evoke the midday sun’s heat and glare. Beach scenes became a popular theme for Glackens, especially as a way to experiment with a certain kind of impressionist painting, inspired by Auguste Renoir, who his friend Albert Barnes collected in depth.

Artist

William James Glackens

Date

ca. 1910

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Bequest of Miss Adelaide Milton de Groot (1876-1967), 1967