Lake George

Kensett looks from Homer Point towards Black Mountain across Lake George. Signs of expanding tourism are reduced. Limited colour and open water shape his chosen image of the place. This is his largest treatment of the lake.

A small wooded island rises from still water. Its separate mass helps measure the extensive open space.

A broad triangular mountain dominates the far shore. Its simple form remains the principal distant landmark.

Calm water reflects the pale sky. Subtle tonal differences reward close attention to the nearly open surface.

A low rocky ledge projects from the near shore. It establishes the viewer’s place before the large lake.

A dark wooded hill descends on the right. Its substantial side mass borders the pale watery distance.

Kensett began as an engraver and spent seven years studying European painting. He helped found the Metropolitan Museum in 1870. His restrained landscapes belong to the artistic world from which the collection emerged.