Mount Washington from Sunset Hill

Little is known about Bradford Freeman other than a slight exhibition record and evidence that he sold his paintings along with Champney in the 1860s. Freeman’s dramatic painting of Mount Washington and the Village of North Conway prompts the question, is it before or after a storm? Clues abound, especially the farmer coming to gather his cows. Where is the village in Champney's view of this scene? Only a lone glimpse of his own home in North Conway is visible, complete with clothing on the line. Who are the people in the painting? Perhaps Champney and his wife?

Freeman's painting abounds with detail. Especially striking is the sky with light streaming from the clouds overhead.

Champney uses the cool colors of dusk and shades of gray to create the feeling of depth in the distant mountains. This is an early work by Champney, characterized by a subdued palette and tight brush strokes. Compare this painting to some of his later works in this exhibit such as Mount Kearsarge.

Sunset Hill, today the site of the Red Jacket Inn, was a favorite spot for painting Mount Washington in the 19th century. The earlier broad, distant views are now obscured by trees and commercial development in the valley.


Bradford Freeman	Benjamin Champney
Mount Washington and North Conway Oil on canvas, 24" x 36" S/L/L c. 1865	Champney's Homestead and Mount Washington from Sunset Hill Oil on canvas, 12" x 18" S/D/L/R 1858

Incomparable Scenery Comparative Views in the White Mountains

Mount Washington from Sunset Hill

Incomparable Scenery
Comparative Views in the White Mountains