Who painted The Four-Leaf Clover?

The Four-Leaf Clover was painted by Winslow Homer in 1873.

Where can I see The Four-Leaf Clover?

The Four-Leaf Clover is held by Detroit Institute of Arts.

What movement is The Four-Leaf Clover?

The Four-Leaf Clover is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Four-Leaf Clover?

Museum-quality prints of The Four-Leaf Clover are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Four-Leaf Clover

Winslow Homer , 1873

The Four-Leaf Clover is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

Winslow Homer's 1873 oil painting, The Four-Leaf Clover, is a serene and contemplative work. It is a representative example of the artist's early foray into oil painting, following his beginnings as a commercial illustrator.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a young girl sitting in a lush, grassy area, lost in thought as she gazes at a four-leaf clover. The scene is tranquil, with the girl's white dress and hat standing out against the surrounding foliage.

Technique & Style

Homer employs chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the girl and the clover. The work is associated with the Impressionism movement, although it depicts a genre scene rather than a landscape or marine subject, Homer's more typical themes.

History & Provenance

The Four-Leaf Clover is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Created in 1873, it reflects Homer's transition from commercial illustration to oil painting, a shift that would establish him as a leading figure in 19th-century American art.