Summer on Lake Washington

1914/1915

American, 1890-1976

Butler graduated from the University of Washington before going to Europe to study painting, where he fell under the sway of French Impressionism. In this carefree scene, the direct application of paint in short visible strokes lends a certain freshness to this intimate summer moment on the lakeshore. One experiences the scene through the senses-the bright glint of light reflected on water, the easy rhythm of the boat's oars, and the gentle breeze as it ruffles the parasol.

Oil on canvas

19 x 22 1/4 in. (48.26 x 56.52 cm)

Gift of Catherine Butler Johnson

95.57

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistoryTacoma, Washington, Tacoma Art Museum, "The Movement of Impressionism: Europe, America, and the Northwest", October 20, 2009 - February 13, 2011

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "The View From Here: The Pacific Northwest 1800-1930," August 8, 2003 - February 29, 2004

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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