American Art Collaborative

Ernest Lawson was trained by the American Impressionist John Henry Twachtman, a celebrated painter of snow scenes. As a mature artist Lawson associated with the group of urban realist painters known as the Ashcan School, which focused on the gritty aspects of city living. Union Square in Winter reveals an Impressionist’s fascination with light and weather, as sheets of snow dissolve the approaching darkness into tones of green, pink, and lavender. There is also evidence of an urban realist’s view of the commotion and isolation of city life, as Lawson captures the lonely trudge of pedestrians at day’s end.