The Sleighing Season - The Upset
1860
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1860
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting depicts a chaotic winter scene, with people and horses in disarray. In the foreground, several individuals are shown in various states of distress, with one person lying on the ground and another attempting to regain their balance. The horses, too, appear to be in a state of panic, with one rearing up on its hind legs. The scene is set against a backdrop of bare trees and a snowy landscape, with a few buildings visible in the distance. The overall mood of the painting is one of energy and chaos, capturing the intensity of the moment. For more information on the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up Winslow Homer.