Artwork
The Cornell Farm
The Cornell Farm is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Edward Hicks. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Edward Hicks completed *The Cornell Farm* in 1848, an oil on canvas landscape. This painting captures the agricultural property and livestock belonging to James Cornell in rural Pennsylvania. The National Gallery of Art acquired the work in 1964, where it remains part of the permanent collection. Hicks was 69 years old when he created this particular rendition of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
Hicks meticulously rendered the property, including its large house, prominent central tree, and grazing cattle.
The painting presents an "Indian summer view" of James C. Cornell's farm in Northampton, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Hicks meticulously rendered the property, including its large house, prominent central tree, and grazing cattle. An inscription by the artist notes that Cornell's stock received an agricultural society premium in October 1848, suggesting the painting commemorates this achievement and celebrates the prosperity of the rural landscape.
Technique & Style
Hicks employed bright, clear colors to depict the pastoral scene, emphasizing the distinct forms within the landscape. A tall, verdant tree anchors the composition, its green foliage contrasting with the blue sky. The artist often revisited this particular farm setting, creating numerous versions that consistently evoke a sense of tranquility and order through a consistent visual language.
Context
Edward Hicks was a devout Quaker, and his religious beliefs often influenced his artistic practice. His repeated depiction of *The Cornell Farm*, one of over sixty known versions, reflects a broader interest in themes of rural harmony and the ordered world. This consistent return to specific subjects allowed him to explore variations while maintaining a recognizable aesthetic and thematic focus.
History & Provenance
*The Cornell Farm* was acquired by the National Gallery of Art in 1964, becoming part of its American art collection. Its public exhibition history dates back to 1882, when it was displayed at the Bucks County Bi-Centennial Celebration in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The painting has since been frequently exhibited, contributing to its recognition within American folk art.
Legacy
Hicks is also recognized for his series of paintings titled *The Peaceable Kingdom*, which similarly explore themes of harmony and an idealized natural world. Like *The Cornell Farm*, examples of *The Peaceable Kingdom* can be found in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering further insight into the artist's recurring subjects and stylistic approach.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Hicks spent his life caught between two worlds. A Quaker preacher by Sunday and a painter by weekdays, he painted signs and carriages to support his family while quietly building a body of peaceful, crowded…
