Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

As you look at "Oak and Evergreen," your eyes are immediately drawn to the central figures—the majestic oak and evergreen trees. The oak tree, with its gnarled branches and thick canopy of leaves, stands as a testament to nature's resilience and strength. Its broad, twisting limbs seem to reach toward the sky, forming a stark contrast with the more orderly and pyramidal shape of the evergreen standing nearby.

The background is equally rich in detail. Rolling hills stretch out in the distance under a sky painted in soft hues of blue and gray, hinting at an overcast day. The ground is covered in a mix of grasses and underbrush, with delicate patches of sunlight filtering through the trees above, creating dappled shadows that dance across the forest floor.

Colman’s use of color is subtle yet effective, with various shades of green dominating the canvas, from the deep, rich tones of the evergreen needles to the lighter, almost yellow-green of the summer leaves on the oak. This palette creates an overall sense of tranquility and oneness with nature. There are also hints of brown and earthy tones in the tree trunks and the forest floor, grounding the painting firmly in a natural setting.

1. Original Painting Location:
"Oak and Evergreen" is housed in the collection of the New York Historical Society, where it is preserved and displayed for public viewing.

2. Artist and His Significance:
- Samuel Colman: Samuel Colman (1832–1920) was an American painter, etcher, and interior designer associated with the Hudson River School, known for his landscapes. His works often reflect a deep appreciation for natural beauty, attention to detail, and a fascination with the sublime aspects of the American landscape.
- Artistic Movements: Colman's work fits into the Hudson River School and the Luminism movement. Artists in these movements emphasized the beauty and majesty of nature, often rendering landscapes with meticulous detail and a focus on light and atmosphere.

3. Career Context and Artistic Development:
- During the 1880s and 1890s, Samuel Colman had achieved recognition and acclaim for his landscape paintings. This period was characterized by his mature style, where he deftly balanced realism with a sense of ethereal beauty.
- "Oak and Evergreen" exemplifies Colman's ability to capture not just the physical appearance of nature but its spirit as well. His attention to detail and his skillful use of light to create mood are evident in this work.

4. Noteworthy Details:
- The piece highlights Colman’s technical skill and emotional connection to nature, reflecting a broader 19th-century American fascination with the unspoiled wilderness.
- The composition, with its focus on the harmonious existence of different types of trees, might also suggest a deeper metaphor about diversity and coexistence within nature.

"Oak and Evergreen" stands as a testament to Samuel Colman’s artistic legacy and continues to captivate viewers with its serene beauty and masterful execution.