Artwork
Meal Time

Meal Time is an ink print by the Impressionist artist William Strang. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Meal Time is an 1883 etching by Scottish artist William Strang, showcasing his proficiency in printmaking. The work depicts a serene outdoor scene with five figures near a river, characterized by detailed linework that captures light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays a tranquil family moment: a woman with a baby, a man leaning on a cane, another resting with outstretched legs, and two children playing. The composition conveys a sense of everyday life and quiet contentment.
Technique & Style
Strang employed traditional etching techniques to achieve nuanced light and shadow effects through expressive lines. This approach was typical of contemporary etchings, emphasizing realism and depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1883, Meal Time reflects Strang's active period in printmaking. As an illustrator, he also worked on literary classics by authors like Bunyan, Cervantes, and Kipling, though the etching's specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Meal Time situates itself within the late 19th-century printmaking revival, where artists like Strang leveraged etching to capture everyday life with precision and emotional depth.
Legacy
While Meal Time represents Strang's printmaking skill, its broader impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements is not distinctly outlined in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Strang (13 February 1859 – 12 April 1921) was a Scottish painter and printmaker, notable for illustrating the works of Bunyan, Cervantes, Coleridge, Kipling, and others.



















