Edward Hicks – The Cornell Farm National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a pastoral scene centered around a large herd of cattle and horses traversing a meticulously rendered landscape. The foreground is dominated by the animals, arranged in a somewhat orderly procession that stretches across the lower portion of the canvas. Their varied coloration – ranging from stark white to deep chestnut browns and spotted patterns – creates visual interest and contributes to the overall sense of abundance.
Beyond the animal procession, the eye is drawn into a detailed depiction of farmland. A neatly fenced pasture occupies the middle ground, punctuated by scattered trees in autumnal foliage. In the distance, buildings are visible: a farmhouse with a prominent red barn, suggesting established settlement and agricultural prosperity. The perspective is carefully managed to convey depth; the receding lines of fences and pathways lead towards the distant structures, creating an illusion of expansive space.
The sky occupies a significant portion of the upper register, exhibiting a soft, diffused light that suggests either early morning or late afternoon. Clouds are present but do not dominate the scene, allowing for a sense of tranquility and openness. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of individual leaves on trees, the texture of the grass, and the subtle variations in color across the landscape.
Subtly embedded within this seemingly straightforward depiction of rural life are layers of meaning. The orderly arrangement of the animals suggests a controlled environment, indicative of human dominion over nature. The presence of figures – presumably farmers or landowners – observing the scene reinforces this notion of stewardship and management. The overall impression is one of harmony between humanity and the natural world, but also hints at an underlying structure imposed upon it.
The inscription along the bottom edge, though partially obscured, further suggests a narrative element, potentially providing context for the depicted events or offering a moral commentary on the scenes significance. It implies that this isn’t merely a representation of a farm, but rather a symbolic portrayal imbued with deeper meaning related to labor, prosperity, and perhaps even religious values associated with agrarian life.