A contemporary of James Jeffrey Grant, Jacob Greenleaf was born in Estonia in 1887 and studied art in Europe before immigrating to the United States and eventually settling on Bearskin Neck in Rockport. Like Grant, he exhibited during the 1930s and 1940s at the North Shore Art Association; thus his paintings were undoubtedly hung alongside Grant’s on multiple occasions. In Squam River from Andrews Bridge, Greenleaf captures a peaceful summer day along the Squam River. His vibrant colors and impressionist brushstrokes fill the scene with energy, suggesting the movement of the clouds and presence of a gentle breeze carrying boats towards the ocean.

More information about this painting...

Provenance:

Private collection, New York

Collection, Milford, Massachusetts, 2021

Inscription:

1. (verso, in blue pen) “Squam River” / Painted by J. Greenleaf
2. (verso, in blue pen) This Belongs to Olive McKinnon / Pd for / Hazel Sawyer
3. (verso, in black pen) Bought from / Olive McKinnon / July 27, 1973

Labels:

1. (artist’s label) Title: “Squam River from Andrews Bridge” / Artist – JACOB I. GREENLEAF / Studios: 212 Friend Street, Boston, Mass. / and Bear Skin Neck, Rockport, Mass.
2. Artist’s biographical write-up