Garden

Garden (ca. 1915) by Henry Lyman Sayen
This vibrant landscape painting by Henry Lyman Sayen is an explosion of color, portraying a lush garden scene. The intense use of orange, red, green, and blue reflects Sayen’s affinity for Fauvism, a movement that emphasized bold, expressive colors. In the foreground, the geometry of the garden paths contrasts with the organic shapes of the trees and bushes. The figures working in the garden add a dynamic human element, integrating the natural and the man-made.

Painted around 1915, this work shows Sayen’s engagement with the Fauvist movement during a pivotal time in modern art. After studying in Paris under the tutelage of Henri Matisse, Sayen brought European modernist ideas back to the United States, particularly to Philadelphia, where he sought to challenge the city’s conservative art scene. The bright, saturated colors and abstracted forms in Garden demonstrate Sayen’s break from realism and his interest in how color alone can shape the viewer’s emotional response​

The painting is done in oil on canvas, Sayen’s use of color is influenced by both Fauvism and early Cubism, where colors are applied directly and vibrantly. The brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the dynamic quality of the composition. He contrasts flat planes of color with more detailed, textured areas, creating depth without relying on traditional perspective​

Sayen’s Garden symbolizes the harmony between human activity and nature. The vibrant palette evokes a sense of life and energy, while the figures working in the garden suggest a connection between human labor and the cultivation of nature. The bold, unnatural colors may also be seen as a reflection of Sayen’s interest in how color can communicate mood and emotion independently of form​

Sayen’s work played an essential role in introducing modernist European movements to American audiences. His bold use of color and abstraction were ahead of their time in America, positioning him as a bridge between European avant-garde art and the evolving American modernist scene. His work, while lesser-known than some of his contemporaries, is appreciated today for its contribution to the development of abstract art in the United States​

Transform your living space with the vibrant energy of Henry Lyman Sayen’s Garden (ca. 1915). This striking gallery-wrapped canvas print will brighten any room with its rich, expressive colors and dynamic composition. Printed on high-quality canvas and stretched over a solid frame, this artwork is designed to maintain its beauty and shape for years. Available in multiple sizes, with optional walnut or black framing, this piece will add a bold statement to your home or office, perfect for those who appreciate early modernist art and vibrant landscapes.