J. Alden Weir (1852-1919)
Windham from Mullins Hill, c. 1895
Oil on canvas, 24 x 20”
Signed lower right

Weir’s pioneering Impressionist landscapes are seldom superficially attractive. In this one, trees and poles "float" like those in some prints by Hiroshige. The big tree, pathways, scythe, and cloud seem odd and distracting. Astute critics saw that Weir’s quirky compositions, unkempt brushwork, and low tones were done with a sure touch, singleness of aim, and absolute truthfulness. He painted some of the masterworks of American Impressionism.

Windham, where his wife’s family lived, was the first Connecticut village Weir saw. When he inherited the place, he had two Connecticut farms. The one in Branchville is now a National Historic Site.