Artwork
Talking It Over
Talking It Over is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Enoch Wood Perry. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1980.361
- Credit line
- Gift of Erving and Joyce Wolf, in memory of Diane R. Wolf, 1980
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The inclusion of both man and horse as central subjects reflects Perry's interest in rural or working-life subjects common in American art of this period.
Talking It Over depicts a genre scene featuring a man and a horse, rendered in oil on canvas. The painting belongs to the tradition of 19th-century American genre painting, which typically portrayed scenes from everyday life. The title suggests a narrative moment of communication or negotiation between the human and animal figures, implying a relationship of mutual understanding or deliberation.
The inclusion of both man and horse as central subjects reflects Perry's interest in rural or working-life subjects common in American art of this period. The work is classified within The American Wing, indicating its significance within the context of United States artistic heritage.
Technique & Style
Enoch Wood Perry Jr.'s Talking It Over, executed in 1872, is an oil-on-canvas painting classified as a genre scene. The work measures 56.5 cm in height and 74.3 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition focuses on a man and a horse, capturing a specific narrative moment typical of the American genre tradition.
The medium of oil paint on canvas support allows for the detailed rendering of the figures and their interaction within the frame.
Overview
Talking It Over, painted by American artist Enoch Wood Perry in 1872, is an oil on canvas genre scene. Perry, originally from Boston, was recognized for his portraits and landscapes, and this work exemplifies his interest in depicting ordinary life. The painting captures a seemingly simple, quiet moment, characteristic of his engagement with contemporary artistic trends.
Context
Created in 1872, Talking It Over emerged during a period of significant transition in American history, following the conclusion of the Civil War. As the nation grappled with reconstruction and its future, artists like Perry often turned to scenes of everyday life. This painting, with its quiet depiction of ordinary interaction, may subtly reflect a collective desire for stability and a return to normalcy amidst ongoing societal shifts.
Artist & collection
Artist
Enoch Wood Perry Jr. (July 31, 1831 – December 14, 1915), was an American painter, from Boston. He was known for his portraits and landscape paints; and he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana;…
