Artwork
New England Homestead
New England Homestead is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Samuel Lancaster Gerry. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
About this work
Overview
New England Homestead is a 19th-century oil painting by Samuel Lancaster Gerry, a Boston-based artist known for his landscapes. Created in 1839, it is part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a peaceful New England homestead, with a dirt path leading to a house surrounded by trees and a picket fence. A man tends a garden, while another figure sits on a bench, evoking a sense of rural tranquility.
Technique & Style
Gerry's use of chiaroscuro creates depth, drawing the viewer into the scene. Smooth, even brushstrokes convey a sense of calm, characteristic of the American folk art movement's straightforward representation.
History & Provenance
Gerry was active in Boston's art scene, co-founding the Boston Art Club in 1857 and exhibiting publicly. The painting reflects his focus on New England scenery, a theme continued in his depictions of the White Mountains.
Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel Lancaster Gerry (1813–1891) was an artist in 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts.
