Scene of Snake Key

Scene of Snake Key, a painting by Herman Herzog, depicts a very unusual Florida scene. This painting is estimated to have been created between 1896 – 1910 and is currently being held at the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art. The painting has multiple tall and swaying palm trees that grow denser in the distant. Palm trees are not the only vegetation, there are small bushes and tall grass mixed with patches of sand. It appears that there is a beach in the distance. The sky is grey with oversized white clouds. A person and a dog stand in the grass and their red jacket sticks out against the earthy tones of the painting. The bend of the trees and the full clouds tell the story of an approaching storm. The muted palette evokes a somber and monotone mood. This setting paints a contradictory idea of Florida landscape. Most people envision blue skies and sand when thinking of Florida. This painting makes one question the general assumption of what Florida life is made up of. The artist is possibly trying to convey a message of a mellow lifestyle, not living up to it's vacationer’s dream. The single person and their dog also brings the feeling of loneliness to mind. Both the person and dog are not painted in great details, observers cannot distinguish their social, or economical state. I believe Herzog is trying to portray the average Floridian's day and contridict other's assumptions.

* this painting was viewed via canvas