The Ice Hole, Maine

In the early 20th century, emerging art from the United States blended European modern art concepts with inspirations drawn from America's distinct culture and landscapes. During this era, numerous American artists redirected their focus inward, delving into the nation's diverse climates, cultures, and communities. They aimed to cultivate a distinctly American perspective for modern art. Among these early 20th-century American artists, Marsden Hartley embarked on a quest for novel subject matter in remote rural areas of the country. In 1908, he relocated to an abandoned farm near Lovell, Maine, where he embarked on a substantial series of experimental winter landscape paintings, including The Ice Hole, Maine. In these artworks, Hartley wasn't primarily concerned with meticulously capturing the exact topography of the Maine coast. Instead, he sought to convey the raw essence of its untamed and desolate terrain.

I love the works of Marsden Hartley, whom I learned about only last year. If you like such discoveries as well, please check our 2024 DailyArt Calendars, full of amazing (and often surprising) masterpieces!

P.S. Marsden Hartley was a ground-breaking modernist, ostracized from the art world at the height of his career. You can learn more about his story.

P.P.S. Dear DailyArt users! We are looking for volunteers who would like to help us translate our DailyArts into Hindi. Here you can find all the details :)