Passing off of the Storm

Kensett was a founder of The Met and a member of its executive committee until his early death. Soon after, his brother, Thomas, donated thirty-eight of the artist’s paintings known as his “Last Summer’s Work” as a testament to “the great interest my late brother had in the success of your Institution.” For this composition Kensett selected a spare, panoramic format inspired by his view from Contentment Island, near his home in Darien, Connecticut. Atmospheric bands of clouds, sky, and water are interrupted by subtle brushstrokes representing slanting reeds or markers, a tiny island, several sailboats, a rowboat, reflections, and what appears to be a white wave on the water’s otherwise placid surface. The painting’s title affirms that the ominous-looking weather is “passing off” rather than approaching.