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"The Thundershower" (ca. 1917–1918) by Henry Lyman Sayen captures a dramatic and vividly painted moment of an approaching storm. The painting is an exemplary work of early 20th-century American modernism, featuring bold, almost fauvist color usage that aims to evoke the emotional intensity of a thundershower. Sayen employs a dynamic composition with swirling brushstrokes that convey the turbulent energy of nature. The colors are rich and saturated, with heavy use of deep blues and purples interspersed with electric yellows and greens, symbolizing the lightning and the lush landscape drenched in rain.

At the foreground, the forms meld and blend, disrupted by the wind and rain, which gives the painting a sense of urgency. There is no clear delineation of objects, making the scene feel abstract while still representational—a hallmark of Sayen's attempt to balance reality with expressionism. The sky is a central feature where the dramatic interplay of light and dark, indicative of a thundershower, draws the viewer's eye to the surging clouds and flickers of lightning, illustrating the overwhelming power of nature.

Information About the Original Painting and the Artist:

- Current Location: "The Thundershower" is part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection. It showcases an important period in Sayen's artistic journey when he was exploring innovative approaches to color and form.

- Artist Background: Henry Lyman Sayen (1875–1918) was a promising American artist whose career was tragically cut short due to his early death during the influenza pandemic of 1918. Prior to his artistic achievements, Sayen had an accomplished career as an inventor and became known for his work on the X-ray tube. His unique background contributed to his experimental approach to art.

- Artistic Movements: Sayen was influenced by modernist movements, particularly Cubism and Fauvism. His work often incorporated the vivid, experimental use of color akin to that of Henri Matisse and the structural abstraction seen in the works of early cubists like Georges Braque. "The Thundershower" is characteristic of his later development, where he moved towards greater abstraction and expressionism, seeking to depict not only the visual aspect of his subjects but also their emotional and atmospheric essences.

- Noteworthy Details: The painting stands as a testament to Sayen’s ability to fuse the scientific precision from his earlier career with the emotional resonance of modernist painting. Despite his relatively short career in art, Sayen managed to create a powerful and distinct body of work that bridges scientific curiosity and artistic exploration. "The Thundershower," with its evocative portrayal of nature’s raw power and sublime beauty, exemplifies his innovative spirit and his significant, though brief, contribution to American modernism.

In summary, "The Thundershower" remains a significant piece within the Philadelphia Museum of Art, symbolizing a poignant chapter in the history of American art and the creative legacy of Henry Lyman Sayen.