Winslow Homer   (1836 -1910)
In the Mowing, 1874
Oil on canvas
Wichita Art Museum
Original: unknown dimensions

In the Mowing was created at a time when Homer was focusing on painting young boys in various activities.  In the 1870s, the Civil War was still a raw memory.  The innocence and serenity of this painting celebrates a return to normalcy and puts hope for the future in the younger generation who will carry on.

Looking very much like the background of the paintings In the Mowing (at left) and Boys in a Pasture, these are the fields south of Wynkoop Road, Hurley, NY.  The line of trees and brush in the distance border the Esopus Creek.  (Photo: Bruce Whistance 2019)