The Yankee Pedlar
1872
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1872
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
This painting depicts a scene of a peddler standing beside a red wagon, gesturing to a woman holding a red garment. The woman is accompanied by a man and a child, who are both seated on the ground. The peddler is dressed in a tan suit and hat, while the man wears a blue shirt and hat, and the child is attired in a white shirt and blue skirt. In the background, a dark barn or shed is visible, with a broom and other items leaning against the wall. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of everyday life, with the peddler attempting to sell his wares to the family. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figures. To learn more about this technique, explore the world of glazing.
