Artwork
Return of the Redwing
Return of the Redwing is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Allen B. Talcott. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Allen B.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The tree functions as the primary visual element, anchoring a composed natural scene that reflects the pastoral interests of the American Wing’s collection.
The painting Return of the Redwing, executed by Allen B. Talcott in 1900, portrays a solitary tree set within an expansive landscape. Rendered in oil on wood, the work measures 58.4 cm by 81.3 cm and belongs to the landscape genre, as recorded in both the artist’s catalogue and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s records. The tree functions as the primary visual element, anchoring a composed natural scene that reflects the pastoral interests of the American Wing’s collection.
No additional iconographic attributes are documented; the meaning of the composition rests on the realistic depiction of the tree within a broader landscape setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1900, Allen B. Talcott's Return of the Redwing is an oil painting applied to a wood panel support. The work measures 58.4 by 81.3 centimeters and is classified as a landscape. Stylistically, the composition focuses on natural scenery, specifically depicting trees within the environment.
The use of oil paint on a rigid panel reflects traditional methods for landscape production during this period, providing a durable surface for the artist's rendering of the outdoor scene. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is categorized under the American Wing.
History & Provenance
Allen B. Talcott’s Return of the Redwing (1900) was created as an oil-on-wood landscape painting and remains in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under The American Wing. The painting’s dimensions are recorded as 58.4 cm in height and 81.3 cm in width. According to institutional records, the work was completed in 1900, aligning with Talcott’s early career focus on New England landscapes.
No documented commission or preparatory materials have been identified in primary sources, and the painting’s provenance prior to its acquisition by the museum is not specified in available records.
The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Its inventory number is not specified in the cited sources. The work was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of its collection holdings, though no specific exhibition history is documented in the provided references.
Overview
Allen B. Talcott's Return of the Redwing, painted around 1900, is an oil on wood landscape that exemplifies his dedication to the natural beauty of Old Lyme, Connecticut. As a foundational figure in the Old Lyme art colony, Talcott frequently depicted the local environment. This particular work features a solitary tree, a recurring motif in his oeuvre, set against a subdued sky, capturing a tranquil scene characteristic of the region.
Context
This painting emerged from Allen Talcott's extensive engagement with Old Lyme, Connecticut, where he spent eight summers and helped establish a significant art colony. His commitment to portraying the local scenery contributed to the colony's reputation for American landscape painting. Return of the Redwing stands as an example of his sustained exploration of this particular environment and its enduring appeal to artists of his generation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Allen Butler Talcott (April 8, 1867 – June 1, 1908) was an American landscape painter.
