Artwork

A New England Peddler

A New England Peddler, by Henry Wolf, ink, 1885
A New England Peddler, by Henry Wolf, ink, 1885

A New England Peddler is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henry Wolf. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A New England Peddler is a 1885 wood engraving by Henry Wolf, a French-born artist who established his career in New York City. This print captures a serene moment between a traveling merchant and a young girl in a natural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving portrays a common 19th-century American figure, the peddler, alongside a girl intently examining an item, possibly a recent purchase. The scene conveys a sense of everyday life, echoing themes found in Impressionist art.

Technique & Style

Wolf's precise and adaptable wood engraving technique is showcased here, demonstrating his ability to translate diverse artistic styles into this medium. The work reflects his technical mastery.

History & Provenance

Created in 1885, A New England Peddler is part of Wolf's significant American oeuvre. Wolf was known for engraving works after prominent artists like John Singer Sargent and Édouard Manet.

Context

The piece fits within the broader 19th-century American artistic trend of depicting ordinary life, aligning with the thematic concerns of Impressionist movements, despite being a wood engraving.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henry Wolf

Artist

Henry Wolf

Henry Wolf (1852–1916) was a French-born wood engraver who lived and worked in the United States during his most influential work period and until his death.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.