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The Falconer (copy after Thomas Couture)

Edward Harrison May

1865

oil

canvas

From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Allegory

Dominant colour

The Falconer (copy after Thomas Couture) is a 1865 oil by Edward Harrison May, held at Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Who painted this?: Edward Harrison May
When & what style?: 1865
Where can I see it?: Museum of Fine Arts Boston

About this work

This painting depicts a young man with dark, wavy hair, wearing a black jacket with a white ruffled collar and cuffs. He is holding a falcon on his left hand, with its wings spread out. The background is a wall with a decorative pattern, and the overall atmosphere suggests a formal portrait. The young man's attire and the presence of the falcon suggest a sense of elegance and refinement. The painting's use of chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and drama to the scene. The artist's use of oil paint and the formal composition of the painting suggest a level of skill and craftsmanship. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up the use of chiaroscuro.

About the artist

Artist

Edward Harrison May

Edward Harrison May Jr. (1824 – May 17, 1887) was an English-American painter who spent much of his career in Paris. The son of Edward Harrison May Sr., a Dutch Reformed clergyman, May was born in Croydon, England, and…

See the richer artist page