Who painted A Calm Afternoon, Long Island?

A Calm Afternoon, Long Island was painted by Henry Farrer in 1888.

Where can I see A Calm Afternoon, Long Island?

A Calm Afternoon, Long Island is held by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

What movement is A Calm Afternoon, Long Island?

A Calm Afternoon, Long Island is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of A Calm Afternoon, Long Island?

Museum-quality prints of A Calm Afternoon, Long Island are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Calm Afternoon, Long Island

Henry Farrer , 1888

A Calm Afternoon, Long Island is an unspecified painting by the American Impressionist artist Henry Farrer. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

About this work

The artist's use of light and color creates a sense of warmth and tranquility, inviting the viewer to step into the peaceful atmosphere.

This serene painting depicts a tranquil scene on Long Island. A small house with a flagpole stands on a grassy hill, overlooking a calm body of water. In the distance, a few sailboats glide across the water, their reflections rippling on the surface.

The artist's use of light and color creates a sense of warmth and tranquility, inviting the viewer to step into the peaceful atmosphere.

To explore more works by this artist, look up Henry Farrer (American, 1843–1903).

Overview

Created in 1888, A Calm Afternoon, Long Island is an oil painting by American artist Henry Farrer. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and depicts a quiet, sunlit landscape on Long Island.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a modest house perched on a grassy rise, its flagpole catching the light. Below, a placid stretch of water reflects the sky, while a few distant sailboats glide across, their silhouettes mirrored in gentle ripples. The scene conveys a sense of repose and domestic tranquility.

Technique & Style

Farrer employs a restrained palette of warm earth tones and soft blues, allowing light to suffuse the sky and water. Loose brushwork suggests the texture of grass and water surface, while careful modulation of color creates atmospheric depth and a calm, inviting ambience.

History & Provenance

The painting was completed toward the end of Farrer's career, a period marked by his focus on pastoral and coastal subjects. It entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s American art holdings.