Gay Head Cliffs, Martha’s Vineyard
Private CollectorCharles’ older brother Bert served as commander of the Gay Head Coast Station on Martha’s Vineyard. The painter made many visits to his brother and painted the Vineyard’s cliffs, sunsets, sheep, and fence-lined village streets.
Fishing Shack with Skiff
Oil on canvasBrooks Free Library
Cahoon is known for his ability to capture the mood and spirit of Cape Cod from a bygone era.
Chatham Harbor: Two Shanties and a Sailboat
Oil on canvasBrooks Free Library
As a young man, Charles worked as a retoucher in Boston’s leading photography studios for many years before deciding to become a full-time artist.
Long Pond
Private CollectorCharles was born in a house near nearby. His grandfather and other family members helped pioneer the commercial cranberry industry in Harwich on bogs in this area some of which are still farmed today.
Moody Farm
Oil on canvasPrivate collector
Charles was a neighbor of the Moody’s; both the family and farm appear in several of his paintings. The Cahoon family moved to Harwich Center when Charles was a boy and lived in a home built by his father.
Burning of the Exchange Building
Oil on illustration boardHarwich Historical Society
In 1876, fire destroyed this important building that stood on Main Street in Harwich Center and housed stores and an auditorium. It is not known if Charles witnessed the fire; the loss to the town was devastating.
The Cobbler Shop
Oil on canvasPrivate collector
John Condon’s cobbler shop on Main Street in Harwich Center was the subject of this painting done around 1900. It features great detail including a painting of Abraham Lincoln on the wall. The painting helped launch Cahoon’s career as a leading New England artist.
Marsh Scene
Private CollectorCape Cod’s beautiful marshes were a popular subject for Cahoon who painted the same scene many times. The haystacks in this scene however are believed to be unique to this painting; the puffy clouds are also especially charming.
House Near Pleasant Bay
Oil on panelBrooks Free Library
Typical Cape Cod style house in winter.
Apples Still Life
Private CollectorCharles did not paint many still life compositions but this painting is an outstanding example of his talent. The light on the lip of the apple and cut knife is a wonderful device to bring realism to subject.
Fisherman in a Dory
Brooks Free LibraryOil on board
Like many young men of his era, Charles went to work on his father’s fishing vessel, sailing to the Grand Banks for mackerel. During long voyages, he amused himself by sketching and teaching himself to paint. His paintings of many types of vessels show exactness down to the smallest detail and portray every mood of the sea.
