Flaming Pool, Dogtown - Marsden Hartley

Marsden Hartley's 'Flaming Pool, Dogtown' is a bold, expressionistic landscape painting from 1931, capturing the rugged beauty of Dogtown, Massachusetts, in rich earthy tones. A striking piece of American Modernism for any room.

Marsden Hartley's 'Flaming Pool, Dogtown' (1931) presents a rugged, almost primordial landscape rendered in a bold, expressionistic style. Hartley, a key figure in American Modernism, often explored themes of nature and spirituality, and this painting exemplifies his unique approach to landscape painting. The scene depicts Dogtown, Massachusetts, a desolate and rocky area that fascinated Hartley. The 'flaming pool' itself, a small body of water nestled among the rocks, becomes a focal point, reflecting the sky and adding a touch of serenity to the otherwise stark environment. The composition is built around strong, simplified forms and a rich, earthy colour palette dominated by reds, browns, and greys, with a contrasting band of pale blue and pink in the sky. The painting's surface is heavily worked, with visible brushstrokes that add to the sense of immediacy and energy. As a fine art print, 'Flaming Pool, Dogtown' brings a touch of modernist drama and rugged beauty to any interior. Its bold colours and strong composition make it a striking focal point, while its connection to American art history adds a layer of intellectual interest. It is particularly well-suited for spaces where a touch of the unconventional and a connection to nature are desired.