Step into Spring: A Guide to the St. Louis Art Museum

With spring weather finally in sight, there is no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than a quick walk through Forest Park to visit the St. Louis Art Museum. The museum, commonly referred to as SLAM amongst art students, was founded in 1879 and has since worked diligently to provide artistic enrichment and education to the city. As a native New Yorker, I was anxious about leaving behind the plethora of arts and culture in New York when I came to WashU. However, upon my first visit to SLAM, my fears were quickly dispelled. I was amazed at the incredible permanent collection of art and artifacts and the innovative exhibitions on display. As such, I’ve put together the ideal itinerary for a spring trip to SLAM!

“The Promenade with the Railroad Bridge, Argenteuil,” Claude Monet, 1874

One of many Monet paintings in SLAM’s collection, “The Promenade with the Railroad Bridge, Argenteuil,” is a perfect demonstration of Monet’s characteristic sketchy brushwork. The original light gray color of the canvas shines through his soft brush strokes, creating a picturesque cloudy day. The piece depicts his wife Camille and young son Jean as they walk alongside the River Seine in Paris. I am drawn to the tranquility of this scene and am amazed by the skill of the impressionist painter to depict such emotion with such simple brushwork. 

“Port-en-Bessin: The Outer Harbor (Low Tide),” Georges Seurat, 1888

Famed French artist Georges Seurat created this beautiful port-side oil painting during a summer stay at the Normandy resort of Port-en-Bessin. Seurat’s work is notorious for his pointillistic touch, or the tiny dots of color he applies to the canvas. While from afar, the scene blends into an idyllic oceanside scene, the painting is composed of small geometric dots of color. This geometric structure creates a sense of calm and order in the viewer, notions any WashU student would be grateful to receive amidst the stresses of the spring semester. I would recommend this painting to any student who is missing the beach or larger bodies of water in general while living in the lovely landlocked state of Missouri. 

“Abstraction #202,” Myron Kozman, 1940

Myron Kozman’s “Abstraction #202” is a breath of fresh air amongst the realism of my other selections. The brightness of these colors reminds me of springtime and starkly contrasts with the whiteness of the paper. This colorful print is the product of Kozman’s studies at the Chicago Institute of Design. He was driven by the goals of the school’s founder, László Moholy-Nagy, who encouraged students to experiment with the interrelationships of shapes and colors to create a transparent effect. This print is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things, like the abstract blocks of yellow, blue, and orange in this screenprint.

“Bay of Monterosso,” Max Pechstein, 1917

Max Pechstein chose vibrant colors to create this lively scene of fishermen launching boats and hauling nets. This active oil painting, however, carries a deeper past beneath the surface. Pechstein used painting as an emotional outlet following his service in World War I, fighting on the Western Front. He was inspired by his preliminary sketches of the Monterosso beach from before the war. By revisiting this project, Pechstein could return to the peace and innocent joy that existed before the war. “Bay of Monterosso” is a beautiful reminder of the power of escapism through art; by viewing paintings such as this at SLAM, you can escape your worries for a brief moment.

“A Street in Saint Louis,” Henry Lewis, 1863

Henry Lewis’ “A Street in Saint Louis” is a reminder of the rich history of Saint Louis and a beautifully painted scene of an affluent community. The historical painting is set on the streets of our very own city. The scene is characterized by wealth, as evident by the fine carriages, well-dressed characters, and large Italian-inspired house in the background. Lewis creates a clear sense of community by showing friendly exchanges between the people in his painting. Viewing this painting is a happy reminder that with warm weather and changing seasons, we have so many fun activities and memories to look forward to.

I hope this article offers just a peek into the incredible collections of SLAM and has successfully brought some spring cheer to your day!

Strike out,

Strike St. Louis

Written by: Riley Meltz

Edited by: Ella Doppke and Jordan Siegel