Tidal Basin at Cherry Blossom Time, circa 1922

The blossoming of the cherry trees was a rite of spring for Washingtonians in 1922 as it is today. Around that time, Marjorie Phillips captured in oil paint a scene of delicate blossoms floating above the Tidal Basin. 1922 would have been the 10th anniversary of the planting of the trees; this year is the 100th. While peak bloom hit very early this spring, the festival continues off the mall tonight with a Journey to Japan at Phillips after 5.

Painting by Marjorie Phillips of a woman in hat and jacket with young girl under blossoming cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin.

Marjorie Phillips, Tidal Basin at Cherry Blossom Time, c.1922. Oil on canvas board, 9 3/4 x 13 3/4 in The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. Gift of the artist, 1984.

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