To writing a series of paintings depicting flags Child Hassam began at the decline of his work. He devoted all his life to different genre painting – urban landscapes, everyday sketches, portraits, nature, but ironically it was flags that glorified him.
Above a series of flags, the master began working in 1916. It is not known what inspired Hassam on this topic, one version says that this series was the result of nationalist sentiments that were in the air, which were the answer to the First World War, in which many nationalities were drawn.
It is known that Hassam was eager to capture military battles on his canvases, but the government responded with a refusal, so that the artist was even briefly arrested for a small sketch of naval maneuvers. The artist had to show his anti-war sentiments through flags. The picture “The Alley of Allies” perfectly illustrates the artist’s aspirations.
On the festive wide streets, flags proudly flutter – the USA, England, France, Brazil. Bending from the wind, as if in a bizarre dance, the symbols of states, they are the main characters of the pictorial narrative. The painting is written in the inherent Hassam impressionistic style – bright colors, lots of light, “free” breath.
The artist dreamed that his whole series would be integral and indivisible, and would become part of the war memorial. However, hopes were not destined to come true – after the first exhibitions the pictures were sold separately, scattered around different museums and private collections.
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