Description
Dominating this composition is a lightning-blasted tree embodying nature's awe-inspiring power and endless cycle of life and death. A popular motif because of these associations, the blasted tree was favored by many landscape painters like Church, who prominently featured it here.
Provenance
Sold to E. G. Merrick, Clayton, NY (in family until 1967)-(Eldridge Gerry Merrick, E. G. Merrick II, Mrs. John P. Nevins (daughter), West Brattleboro, Vermont); Adams Davidson and Company, Washington, D. C. 1967; Hirschl and Adler, N. Y. Sold to CMA and the CMA's Prendergast The Road to the Village, New Hampshire, La Farge's Choir, and Durand's Scene among the Berkshire Hills, 10 May 1969.
Accession Number
1969.52
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
Framed: 98.7 x 86.4 x 9.2 cm (38 7/8 x 34 x 3 5/8 in.); Unframed: 75.5 x 62.8 cm (29 3/4 x 24 3/4 in.); Former: 94.5 x 81.5 x 9 cm (37 3/16 x 32 1/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Gift of various donors by exchange and Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
