Who painted Children of Yesteryear?

Children of Yesteryear was painted by Arthur B. Davies in 1899.

Where can I see Children of Yesteryear?

Children of Yesteryear is held by Brooklyn Museum.

What movement is Children of Yesteryear?

Children of Yesteryear is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Children of Yesteryear

Arthur B. Davies , 1899

Children of Yesteryear is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Arthur B. Davies. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

Arthur Bowen Davies created Children of Yesteryear in 1899, employing oil on canvas during the post‑impressionist era. The work depicts a tranquil outdoor gathering of women and children amid a richly vegetated landscape, with trees, blossoms and a distant water feature. The composition conveys a calm, idyllic atmosphere, inviting viewers to linger in its serene setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a group of figures, primarily women and youngsters, arranged in a pastoral scene that suggests a nostalgic or historical moment. A seated woman cradles a child on her lap while others are positioned around her, emphasizing themes of familial intimacy and the gentle passage of time within a natural environment.

Technique & Style

Davies applied oil paint with careful brushwork that highlights subtle variations of light and shadow, hinting at his interest in chiaroscuro. The color palette balances vivid floral tones with softer earth hues, while the handling of foliage and water demonstrates a refined command of texture characteristic of post‑impressionist experimentation.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the canvas entered the collection of the Brooklyn Museum, where it remains on display. Davies, an American artist active in the early twentieth century, was instrumental in advancing modern art in the United States, particularly through his involvement with avant‑garde circles between 1910 and 1928.

Artist & collection

Artist

Arthur B. Davies

Arthur Bowen Davies (September 26, 1862 – October 24, 1928) was an avant-garde American artist and influential advocate of modern art in the United States c. 1910–1928.