Artwork
Talking It Over
Talking It Over is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Enoch Wood Perry. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Talking It Over, painted by American artist Enoch Wood Perry in 1872, is an oil on canvas genre scene. Perry, originally from Boston, was recognized for his portraits and landscapes, and this work exemplifies his interest in depicting ordinary life. The painting captures a seemingly simple, quiet moment, characteristic of his engagement with contemporary artistic trends.
Subject & Meaning
One man loosely holds the reins, while the horse, though calm, has its ears perked, suggesting an awareness of something beyond the frame.
The painting portrays two men in dark suits standing alongside a horse in a sunlit field. The scene conveys a sense of quiet contemplation, as if capturing a pause in an unspoken conversation. One man loosely holds the reins, while the horse, though calm, has its ears perked, suggesting an awareness of something beyond the frame. This depiction of an unadorned, everyday interaction invites viewers to reflect on ordinary moments.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, Talking It Over demonstrates Enoch Wood Perry's stylistic leanings toward American Impressionism. The artist employs light and color to render the sunlit field, contributing to the painting's tranquil atmosphere. While not fully embracing the broken brushwork typical of some Impressionists, Perry's focus on capturing a fleeting, everyday moment and its specific lighting aligns with the movement's broader aims.
Context
Created in 1872, Talking It Over emerged during a period of significant transition in American history, following the conclusion of the Civil War. As the nation grappled with reconstruction and its future, artists like Perry often turned to scenes of everyday life. This painting, with its quiet depiction of ordinary interaction, may subtly reflect a collective desire for stability and a return to normalcy amidst ongoing societal shifts.
Artist & collection
Artist
Enoch Wood Perry Jr. (July 31, 1831 – December 14, 1915), was an American painter, from Boston. He was known for his portraits and landscape paints; and he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana;…
