John Henry Twachtman and the Materiality of Snow

Abstract

This article provides a new look at John Henry Twachtman’s celebrated snowscapes. While scholars have discussed the “therapeutic” nature of these works, I argue that there is more to say about these paintings and that they should be considered for what they are literally about: snow. Twachtman’s snow scenes, I believe, are about snow’s materiality—its wetness, its coldness, and its texture. In focusing on snow’s materiality, I argue that Twachtman’s snow scenes were distinct from those made by his contemporaries. I contend that they provided Twachtman with an opportunity to experiment with oil paint in a way that was bold and innovative.