Sinewy trees with yellow leaves on the grassy shore of a lake in Central Park, New York.

Central Park Lake

Date1916

Mediumgouache and watercolor on paper

DimensionsSight: 13 3/8 × 19 1/2 inches (34 × 49.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight H. Emanuelson.

Object number1984.4.1

On View

Not on view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextFor Gifford Beal, New York City was a world of opportunities and Central Park a place where new painted scenes would unveil daily. The two works on view here reveal the important influences of two of Beal’s most significant teachers. Under the tutelage of William Merritt Chase, Beal learned to paint directly from nature, which resulted in his splendid rendering of watercolor and use of color filled with light. Beal’s work was also influenced by Robert Henri, leader of the Ashcan School, who was an avid believer in American art characterized by honesty and individuality. Henri once described Beal’s work by saying, “It seems to have been born of wit, and good humored love of people and things—a love song.”

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