A Barn Interior
1830/35
Medium
Watercolor, over graphite, with gum arabic, heightened with gouache and scratching out, on paper
Dimensions
31.2 × 45.3 cm (12 5/16 × 17 7/8 in.)
Classification
paper
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
188537
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Called “Bird’s Nest Hunt” due to his detailed studies of natural objects, William Henry Hunt created genre scenes of unspoiled country life. Considered a Realist, Hunt was known for “honest” subject matter, usually captured in small, close interiors, but here he has depicted a barn like a theatrical stage. Hunt achieved the highlights of this highly detailed watercolor by scratching into the surface of the paper.
About the Artist
William Henry Hunt · 1790–1864
Comment on works: Still life; Genre; Landscapes