May Snow

Torvald Arnst Hoyer, May Snow, 1937, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1979.10.4
Copied Torvald Arnst Hoyer, May Snow, 1937, oil on canvas, 29 7824 in. (76.061.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1979.10.4

Artwork Details

Title
May Snow
Date
1937
Dimensions
29 7824 in. (76.061.0 cm)
Credit Line
Transfer from the General Services Administration
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Landscape — season — spring
  • Landscape — weather — snow
  • Recreation — sport and play — sledding
  • New Deal — Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project — Illinois
  • Architecture Exterior — domestic — house
Object Number
1979.10.4

Artwork Description

Torvald Hoyer created many images based on his travels, often painting them from memory many years later. In this painting the tiny dabs of paint create a soft, hazy image, evoking the effect of snow on the landscape. This scene was probably inspired by a childhood memory, and the small figure pulling a sled may be the artist himself, looking for adventure in the unexpected spring snow.