Artwork
Cornfield
Cornfield is a print by the Impressionist artist Otto Henry Bacher. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cornfield is a pencil sketch created in 1879 by Otto H. Bacher, an American artist known for his etchings, illustrations, and oil paintings across various genres. The work is currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The sketch depicts a serene, flat grassy field intersected by a narrow river, with a distant line of trees and a small building on the opposite bank. The composition conveys a sense of quiet realism, capturing a everyday landscape with simplicity.
Technique & Style
Executed in pencil, the sketch features quick, simple lines, particularly in the tree renderings, and a rough, uneven riverbank. Bacher utilized light and shadow effectively to achieve depth on a two-dimensional medium, aligning with Realist tendencies.
History & Provenance
Created in 1879, Cornfield is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, reflecting the institution's interest in American artistic practices of the late 19th century.
Context
Cornfield reflects the Realist movement's emphasis on depicting everyday life and landscapes without romanticization. Bacher's approach to capturing light and shadow in a mundane setting situates the work within the broader artistic trends of its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Otto Henry Bacher (May 31, 1856, Cleveland - August 16, 1909, Bronxville, New York) was an American artist; primarily known for his etchings and illustrations. He also painted oils in a variety of genres.
