Artwork
Autumn, a Wood Path
Autumn, a Wood Path is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Sanford Robinson Gifford. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Sanford Robinson Gifford executed Autumn, a Wood Path in 1876 using oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 38.0 cm in height and 31.8 cm in width. As a landscape painting, the composition features trees as its primary subject matter. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
It was created as an independent canvas rather than a commissioned piece, and no documentation of a specific commission survives.
Autumn, a Wood Path is an oil on canvas painting executed by Sanford Robinson Gifford in 1876.
The work measures 38.0 cm by 31.8 cm and depicts a tree within a woodland scene.
It was created as an independent canvas rather than a commissioned piece, and no documentation of a specific commission survives.
After its completion the painting entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. The museum’s records indicate the work’s inception date as 1876‑01‑01, confirming the year of its creation.
Overview
Sanford Robinson Gifford completed Autumn, a Wood Path in 1888, an oil painting that captures a tranquil forest setting. This work exemplifies his interest in depicting natural light and atmospheric conditions within a seasonal landscape. The piece is part of the permanent collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, representing a late example of his distinctive approach to American scenery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a serene autumnal forest, where a winding dirt path draws the viewer into the scene. Trees, largely divested of their leaves, form an overhead canopy with their interwoven branches, creating a natural archway. Dappled sunlight filters through the sparse foliage, illuminating the path and evoking a sense of quiet contemplation. A soft, hazy glow in the distance suggests a clearing beyond the dense woods.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sanford Robinson Gifford (July 10, 1823 – August 29, 1880) was an American landscape painter and a leading member of the second generation of Hudson River School artists.
