Artwork
Francis Wayland Sherman at the Age of 2 Years 10 Months
Francis Wayland Sherman at the Age of 2 Years 10 Months is a photography by the Impressionist artist H.N. Roberts. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century photograph depicts Francis Wayland Sherman, a young boy from a prominent family, seated on a luxurious rocking horse at the age of 2 years and 10 months.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, dressed in fine attire, embodies the wealth of his family, whose success stemmed from pharmaceutical and music ventures. The rocking horse, possibly a family heirloom or studio prop, symbolizes the luxury afforded to affluent children during the Victorian era.
Technique & Style
While specific photographic techniques used are not detailed here, the image's composition and the inclusion of a iconic Victorian toy suggest a thoughtful arrangement, likely intended to convey the family's status.
History & Provenance
Sherman grew up in Ludlow, Vermont, eventually managing his family's businesses. The photograph's provenance is not extensively detailed beyond its subject identification and the family's background.
Context
The dappled gray rocking horse, favored by Queen Victoria for her children, was a popular symbol of wealth among the Victorian elite, contextualizing the photograph within the era's high-society norms.
Legacy
Now part of a museum collection, this photograph offers insight into Victorian-era childhood luxury and family portraiture practices of the time, with suggested further exploration available through comparable works at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
