The Beginning of Autumn (Monument Mountain near Stockbridge)(from McGuire Scrapbook)

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Beginning of Autumn (Monument Mountain near Stock)*, a delicate 1900 gouache by American artist James Henry Moser. just 1 5/16 x 3 5/16 inches (3.3 x 8.4 cm), this intimate landscape is rendered on blue wove paper on off-white Bristol board Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's American Wing, entered the collection as a gift James C. McGuire 1926, originating from the McGuire Scrap—a personal album of artistic treasures. Moser captures the evocative shift from summer to fall on Monument Mountain, a dramatic peak near Stockbridge, Massachusetts, long celebrated in American art for its sublime natural beauty. This tiny work exemplifies early 20th-century landscape traditions, evoking the Hudson River School's reverence for the American wilderness while embracing gouache's vibrant, opaque qualities. The blue paper grounds the scene, lending an atmospheric depth that enhances the mountain's majestic rise amid emerging autumn hues. As a compact study, it invites close contemplation, highlighting Moser's skill in distilling grandeur into miniature form. Perfect for scrapbook enthusiasts or lovers of New England vistas, this piece reflects the era's fascination with seasonal transitions and the enduring cultural romance of the American landscape.

About the Artist

James Henry Moser · 1854–1913

American (born Canada), Whitby, Ontario 1854–1913 West Cornwall, Connecticut