American Tonalism: Paintings of Poetry and Soul

February 27, 2010 – June 6, 2010

The Tonalist style of painting was embraced by many American artists from the 1880s through the early 20th century. The two European styles that influenced the development of American Tonalism were Aestheticism as it was practiced by the American expatriot James Abbot McNeill Whistler; and the French Barbizon style as it was spiritually interpreted by George Inness. A limited, muted palette and a misty poetic interpretation of landscape characterize tonalist works.

George Inness (1825-1894)
In the Pasture, c. 1876 - 1878
oil on canvas, The Arkell Hall Foundation
The mission of the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie and the Canajoharie Library is to promote and celebrate the understanding and enjoyment of the arts and humanities in Canajoharie, the Mohawk Valley, and beyond. The Arkell Museum collects, preserves, researches and presents American Art and Mohawk Valley History, and promotes active participation in art and history related activities, to enhance knowledge, appreciation and personal exploration by all.

The Arkell Museum • 2 Erie Boulevard • Canajoharie, New York 13317 • 518 673 2314 • info@arkellmuseum.org
© 2012 Arkell Museum All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Press | Careers | Canajoharie Library