Study of Oak Trees at Lake Dunmore, Vermont
August 23, 1917
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Samuel Colman
Accession Number
1939-85-10-b
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
In the late summer of 1917, American artist Samuel Colman (1832–1920) created this intimate *Study of Oak Trees at Lake Dunmore, Vermont*. At 85 years of age, Colman focused on the sturdy oaks lining the shores of this scenic Vermont lake, producing a landscape that captures a precise moment in time and place. Dated August 23, the work reflects his enduring interest in the American countryside. Classified as a landscape, the study entered the Smithsonian American Art Museum as a gift from Mrs. Samuel Colman, offering a personal link to the artist’s life and output. Though the medium is unknown, such studies typically allowed artists to observe natural forms, light, and composition directly. This piece preserves both Colman’s process and a quiet Vermont vista from over a century ago. The artwork invites visitors to consider how even late in a long career, Colman found inspiration outdoors. It stands as a modest yet evocative record of Lake Dunmore’s beauty and the artist’s continued engagement with the landscape tradition.