Two of the Walls’ favorite artists, Sargent, and William Merritt Chase, are featured in the exhibition with family portraits and scenes of Long Island and Italy. This interest in capturing the interplay of light across various landscapes, as well as scenes of leisure and travel, are hallmarks of the Impressionist movement of this era. Two paintings by Childe Hassam from his renowned Flag series conclude the exhibition with his impressions of the strong patriotic spirit that seized America and the artist during and after World War I. A reviewer at the time noted that “Hassam has done for the flag what Monet did for the haystack,” linking the repetitive motifs and painterly style of the American artist with the iconic master of French Impressionism.
In essence, A Shared Love not only celebrates the artistic legacy of turn-of-the-century American art, but also honors the enduring legacy of Carol and Terry Wall, whose passion and generosity continue to inspire and enrich our cultural landscape.