Artist: Francis William Edmonds
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Creation Year: c. 1840
Dimensions: 14 x 17 inches
Style: Figurative
Period: Mid 19th Century
Condition: Excellent
Description: “Stoking the Fire” by Francis William Edmonds is a compelling genre painting that captures a moment of everyday life in 19th-century America. The scene portrays a Black man carrying wood to a wood oven, while a White man sits comfortably in front of the fire. Edmonds’ skillful use of light and shadow emphasizes the contrast between the labor of one figure and the relaxation of the other, subtly reflecting the social dynamics of the era. The warm, inviting glow of the fire contrasts with the darker tones of the background, drawing the viewer into the many different elements of the scene. Through detailed expressions and careful composition, Edmonds creates a narrative that invites contemplation on the roles and relationships of the characters depicted.
Artist: Francis William Edmonds
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Creation Year: c. 1840
Dimensions: 14 x 17 inches
Style: Figurative
Period: Mid 19th Century
Condition: Excellent
Description: “Stoking the Fire” by Francis William Edmonds is a compelling genre painting that captures a moment of everyday life in 19th-century America. The scene portrays a Black man carrying wood to a wood oven, while a White man sits comfortably in front of the fire. Edmonds’ skillful use of light and shadow emphasizes the contrast between the labor of one figure and the relaxation of the other, subtly reflecting the social dynamics of the era. The warm, inviting glow of the fire contrasts with the darker tones of the background, drawing the viewer into the many different elements of the scene. Through detailed expressions and careful composition, Edmonds creates a narrative that invites contemplation on the roles and relationships of the characters depicted.
