Toning the Bell

Walter Shirlaw

1874

oil

From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago

american_impressionism Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Allegory

About this work

You see a group of peasants gathered around a bell in a dark room. The peasants are noble and serious, with strong faces and simple clothes. They are focused on their work, which adds to the sense of calm in the scene. Check out the technique of chiaroscuro to learn more about how artists use light and dark to create mood.