June

One of the most celebrated artists of the New Hope School of American Impressionists, Daniel Garber's best works blend verdant colors, fastidious draftsmanship and soft brushstrokes with a poetic sensibility that creates dream-like landscapes of tranquility. The artist once explained, "one's job is to get everything in and yet keep it all as a whole, like an orchestra—everything working in harmony to produce one feeling or emotion." (as quoted in Daniel Garber Catalogue Raisonné, vol. I, New York, 2006, p. 88) Reflecting this gestalt approach, the present work June is painted like a tapestry, with interwoven brushwork in brilliant complimentary hues of green, blue and white. The work is suffused with summer sunlight, creating the visual splendor for which Garber is best known.

Born in Indiana in 1880, Garber received his initial artistic training at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and later at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, studying under William Merritt Chase. However, the most significant influence of his early career was his education in Europe from 1905 to 1907. During a year of study in Paris, Garber was influenced by the French Impressionist movement, incorporating a greater emphasis on sunlight and shadow and a palette of lively, pastel colors.

Painted in 1908, one year after his return from Europe, June provides distinct evidence of this influence, in its quick, short brushwork, vibrant palette and focus on the effects of light while painting en plein air. June is an especially rare and unique work by the artist with its inclusion of a peaceful picnic on the banks of the river, most likely the Schuylkill. Garber more commonly featured farm life within his riverside vistas, and the present work is one of only a handful of the artist's known paintings to depict finely dressed ladies within the landscape. In addition to June, a similar subject appeared in By Lumberville, which the artist is believed to have destroyed.