Dublin Core
Title
Description
Summer Breeze depicts a rural landscape arranged across a shallow but continuous picture plane. In the foreground, a pale dirt path curves from the lower right corner toward the center of the composition, cutting through an open field of grass. The ground is painted with loose, visible brushstrokes in light greens, yellows, and earth tones, creating an uneven surface. Small patches of vegetation and low shrubs appear scattered across the field. Slightly left of center, a small cow stands near a cluster of bushes. Several tall, slender trees rise vertically in the middle ground, their trunks thin and their foliage rendered with small touches of green and yellow. Behind the trees, a group of small farm buildings occupies the middle ground. Additional buildings extend toward the right, partially covered by trees and greenery. These structures appear smaller in scale than the trees and the field. The sky fills the upper portion of the composition and is painted in pale blue and gray tones with horizontal bands of soft clouds, accented with light pink and yellow highlights. The composition is asymmetrical, organized by the curving diagonal of the path and the vertical emphasis of the trees. Cool greens and blues fill the field and sky, while warm tones in the buildings create contrast and a focal area. Depth is suggested through overlapping forms, shifts in scale, and softer detail in the distance.
About the Artist
Joseph Sabalauskas (1896? –1970) was a Lithuanian-born American artist active in New York during the early to mid-twentieth century. Born in Lithuania, he immigrated to the United States and arrived in New York in 1927. By 1931, records show him living in Manhattan and working professionally as an artist. He served as a private in the United States Army during World War I before establishing his life and career in New York. Although little is known about his training or exhibitions, Sabalauskas’ artistic activity is confirmed through works in the U.S. General Services Administration Fine Arts Collection, where three pieces are attributed to him. These holdings suggest he may have been connected to federal art initiatives that supported artists during the Depression era. Later in life, he resided in Kings Park, Suffolk County, New York. Sabalauskas died in August 1970 and was buried at Long Island National Cemetery, leaving limited but documented evidence of his career as a New York–based immigrant artist.
About the Artist
Joseph Sabalauskas (1896? –1970) was a Lithuanian-born American artist active in New York during the early to mid-twentieth century. Born in Lithuania, he immigrated to the United States and arrived in New York in 1927. By 1931, records show him living in Manhattan and working professionally as an artist. He served as a private in the United States Army during World War I before establishing his life and career in New York. Although little is known about his training or exhibitions, Sabalauskas’ artistic activity is confirmed through works in the U.S. General Services Administration Fine Arts Collection, where three pieces are attributed to him. These holdings suggest he may have been connected to federal art initiatives that supported artists during the Depression era. Later in life, he resided in Kings Park, Suffolk County, New York. Sabalauskas died in August 1970 and was buried at Long Island National Cemetery, leaving limited but documented evidence of his career as a New York–based immigrant artist.
Creator
Sabalauskas (1896? - 1970)
Publisher
Date
Contributor
Murty, Molly (description and biography)
Helquist, Morgan (photography)
Helquist, Morgan (photography)
Source
New Deal Museum, Mount Morris NY
Object #FA 27739
Object #FA 27739
Format
jpeg, 2.7 MB
jpeg, 1 MB
jpeg, 1 MB
Type
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Oil on canvas
Physical Dimensions
20 3/4 x 25 in.