Artwork
Farmer's Nooning
Farmer's Nooning is an ink print by the Romanticist artist American 19th Century. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Farmer's Nooning is a lithograph in black, depicting a serene scene of five individuals resting in a grassy field beneath a large tree. The composition conveys a sense of calm and relaxation.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of Farmer's Nooning centers on a group of five people—three men and one woman—engaged in leisure activities during a break, suggesting a midday rest. The tranquil atmosphere and the woman's gaze towards the open land may imply a moment of respite from labor.
Technique & Style
Executed in black lithograph, the artist utilizes shading techniques to achieve depth, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow across the figures and landscape. The tree's branching overhead frames the scene, adding a sense of intimacy.
Context
Understanding the context of Farmer's Nooning benefits from knowledge of lithography, a printmaking technique that allows for widespread reproduction of images. This method was popular during the 19th century for its accessibility.
Legacy
While specific details about the artwork's lasting impact or notable exhibitions are not provided, Farmer's Nooning exemplifies the use of lithography in capturing everyday, idyllic scenes of its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist painted everyday American life in the 1800s. Look at *Farmhouse in Mahantango Valley*—a quiet, sunlit scene of rural Pennsylvania. *Boy and Girl* shows two children standing close, their faces turned toward…
