Artwork
The Army of Peace
The Army of Peace is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Francis William Loring. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
Francis William Loring’s oil painting titled *The Army of Peace* was completed in 1897 and is part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The work depicts a group of men in a rural setting, rendered in a calm, pastoral atmosphere that emphasizes quiet labor and repose.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents several figures standing and sitting amid tall, golden grass, each clutching a scythe. Their straw hats, white shirts and suspenders suggest agricultural workers taking a brief pause. The title hints at a peaceful assembly, contrasting the tools of harvest with a tranquil, almost ceremonial stillness.
Technique & Style
Loring employs a warm palette of ochres and muted greens, applying soft brushstrokes that blend the figures into the surrounding meadow. The handling of light creates a hazy horizon, while subtle glazing layers give depth to the sky and foliage, contributing to the overall sense of calm.
History & Provenance
Since its creation at the close of the nineteenth century, *The Army of Peace* has remained in the public domain, eventually entering the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s holdings. Its acquisition history reflects the institution’s interest in American genre scenes that document rural life during the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francis William Loring painted large-scale history scenes and city views in the late 1800s.
