COMMUNITY COMMENT

CHARLES EBERT (1873 – 1959)
American
Blue Cliff at Monhegan
Oil on canvas
Bequest of Elizabeth Ebert
1980.29

I have always loved Impressionist art; it is a bit like looking through smudged glasses. I chose this painting for, although it is in fact of Monhegan Island, Maine, it reminds me of the coast of Connecticut.

Having lived in landlocked Syracuse, I was felt a strong attraction to the beautiful Connecticut coast. Nearly 25 years ago, when visiting Ocean Beach and looking across Alewife Cove, I noticed a big, lovely rock on the opposite side of the water. It was so picturesque it became part of the successful closing argument we had with ourselves about moving here. The rock in this painting reminds me of that spot.

As it turns out, the artist, Charles Ebert (1873-1959), and I are rather kindred spirits: We both attended schools in New York City— he studied art and I studied music. We’re both fond of the New England coast – all the way up to Maine - where the artist would paint and spend his summers. And we both ultimately settled in Connecticut. Ebert lived Cos Cob, Old Lyme, and later Preston. These places were the inspiration for his beautiful paintings - like this one – and I am forever drawn to them as well.