Wilson Henry Irvine (American, 1869-1936)
A Stream in Wales, 1923
Oil on canvas
Museum Purchase
2013.1
Wilson Henry Irvine was an Impressionist landscape painter celebrated for his mastery of light and texture. After growing up in the Midwest, Irvine trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, then established his artistic career in the city. Irvine eventually settled near Old Lyme, Connecticut, where he was an active member of the distinguished Lyme Art Colony.
Painted en plein air, or directly from nature, A Stream in Wales depicts a serene stream dappled with sunlight shining through the entwined branches above. With its lively brushstrokes and vibrant palette, this lush landscape shows Irvine’s skill in using contrasts of color and texture to create a sense of depth.
The purchase and conservation of this painting was the first venture of the Paine’s new Curator’s Council, a group dedicated to supporting the permanent collection by funding acquisition and conservation initiatives.
An exceptional example of the American artist’s Impressionist style, A Stream in Wales likely dates from 1923 when Wilson Henry Irvine and his wife were traveling in England, Wales, and western Europe.