Dublin Core
Title
Description
Bronx River and County Center, White Plains is a scenic oil painting overlooking the eponymous landmarks the title suggests. Jumping past the absence of a foreground into the middle ground, half of the painting’s composition is taken up by billowing, soft trees to the left. To the right, in the distant background, lies the skyline of White Plains. Worrall uses the rule of thirds to divide existing nature and excavation of it for this city-adjacent community. Lying at the lower third of the painting is the Bronx River, reflecting both the closer, taller building and the trees in its clear, blue water. Above it is an even brighter sky from a cloudy sky, blanketing the painting in a comforting negative space. The painting has approached the scene with a unique tenderness, especially in the motion and texture of the trees, water, and grass. Color is used sparingly, Worrall limiting his palette to a selection of cool tones and a variation of green and blue. Much of the contrast is in the shadow cast by the trees, whereas the rest of the painting relies on midtones, achieving an overall calming, serene landscape just barely out of reach.
About the Artist
W.H. Worrall, born William Henry Worrall in Poughkeepsie, NY, was an American painter who spent brief moments in the limelight. Little is known about him, although his work was exhibited at the New York State Historical Association at Ticonderoga on June 13th, 1935, where an apparent series of his works depicting domestic labor tools, including cheese-making, spinning and weaving, and candle-making were displayed. This seems to be the only record of his exhibitions, although he worked as a professional illustrator, including projects like William H. Carson’s novel The Fool (1902) and drawings for Field and Stream. His activities outside of art are captured on news articles, such as The Lake Placid News and The Adirondack Record, covering some of his life interests. He was a man who loved the outdoors and was active in several communities, drawing open-air scenes and often credited for participation in conventions for young working men, like the YMCA and Rochester Public Health Association. His was the first individual contribution to the Daily Reporter’s Summer Camp Fund, funding several boys’ outdoor experiences. As far as education, Worrall attended the Art Students League. Despite his obscurity, his death was noted in The New York Times, where he was referred to as a widowed water-color artist who favored landscapes. Like his grandfather William Henry Worrall, a pioneer settler of Poughkeepsie with whom he shared a name, this painter was a lover of the Hudson Valley. He passed away at White Plains Hospital from a heart ailment on October 8th, 1939.
About the Artist
W.H. Worrall, born William Henry Worrall in Poughkeepsie, NY, was an American painter who spent brief moments in the limelight. Little is known about him, although his work was exhibited at the New York State Historical Association at Ticonderoga on June 13th, 1935, where an apparent series of his works depicting domestic labor tools, including cheese-making, spinning and weaving, and candle-making were displayed. This seems to be the only record of his exhibitions, although he worked as a professional illustrator, including projects like William H. Carson’s novel The Fool (1902) and drawings for Field and Stream. His activities outside of art are captured on news articles, such as The Lake Placid News and The Adirondack Record, covering some of his life interests. He was a man who loved the outdoors and was active in several communities, drawing open-air scenes and often credited for participation in conventions for young working men, like the YMCA and Rochester Public Health Association. His was the first individual contribution to the Daily Reporter’s Summer Camp Fund, funding several boys’ outdoor experiences. As far as education, Worrall attended the Art Students League. Despite his obscurity, his death was noted in The New York Times, where he was referred to as a widowed water-color artist who favored landscapes. Like his grandfather William Henry Worrall, a pioneer settler of Poughkeepsie with whom he shared a name, this painter was a lover of the Hudson Valley. He passed away at White Plains Hospital from a heart ailment on October 8th, 1939.
Works Consulted: “Water-Color Landscape Artist of White Plains Was 79” (New York Times 8 Oct. 1939: 49); W.H. Worrall, “But Now the Pack Are Upon Him” (Field and Stream Jan. 1901: 721) Link; William Henry Carson, The Fool (1902) Link.
Creator
Worrall, W[illiam] H[enry], 1860-1939
Publisher
Date
Contributor
Nicaj, Angelea (description and biography)
Helquist, Morgan (photography)
Helquist, Morgan (photography)
Source
New Deal Museum, Mount Morris NY
Object #FA 815
Object #FA 815
Format
jpeg, 2 MB
jpeg, 1.2 MB
jpeg, 1.2 MB
Type
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Oil on canvas
Physical Dimensions
Canvas: 29 1/2 x 23 1/2
Frame: 37 1/4 x 31 in.
Frame: 37 1/4 x 31 in.