July 13, 2002 - August 25, 2002

Art critic Robert Hughes observed that by the end of the 20th century American Impressionism could mean almost anything and this mini-exhibit suggests the truth of this statement. Visitors will delight with the most French-like of American Impressionists, Childe Hassam, to the evocative, quiet atmosphere of an Emil Carlsen painting. William Merritt Chase's Portrait of a Young Girl and My Palette, and J. Alden Weir's Rabbit - Still Life are included in the mini-exhibit and are exquisite examples of these artists' earlier work prior to their adoption of Impressionist style and painting technique. As a counterpoint to Chase's painting of My Palette, one of Chase's actual palettes will be included in the mini-exhibit. Other artists in the mini-exhibit are John LaFarge, Edward W. Redfield, and Robert Reid.

Robert Metzger, Ph.D
Director, CEO, Chief Curator Reading Public Museum