Artwork

Dismissal of School on an October Afternoon

Dismissal of School on an October Afternoon, by Henry Inman, oil, 1845
Dismissal of School on an October Afternoon, by Henry Inman, oil, 1845

Dismissal of School on an October Afternoon is an oil painting by the Hudson River School artist Henry Inman. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Dismissal of School on an October Afternoon is an oil painting by Henry Inman, completed on November 8, 1845. It represents a culmination of his career, blending landscape, genre, and literary elements.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts children playing on a hill, dressed in period clothing, amidst a landscape with a body of water, trees, and a house. The scene conveys a sense of energy and joy, capturing the carefree nature of childhood.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Inman's skill in capturing light and atmosphere, with a warm, golden glow pervading the scene. The cloudy blue sky and yellow leaves evoke a sense of autumnal coziness.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by James Cozzens, the painting was Inman's last completed work before his death in January 1846. It reflects his diverse artistic range, from portraiture to genre and literary subjects, as a founding member of the National Academy of Design.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henry Inman

Artist

Henry Inman

Henry Inman (1801–1846) was an American artist, born in Utica.