Autumn Leaves
Artist
Thomas Waterman Wood
(American, 1823 - 1903)
Date1877
MediumOil on panel
DimensionsOverall: 20 × 13 7/8in. (50.8 × 35.2cm)
Framed: 27 1/4 × 21 1/4in. (69.2 × 54cm)
Framed: 27 1/4 × 21 1/4in. (69.2 × 54cm)
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2015.8
On View
Not on viewCollections
CopyrightNo known copyright restrictions.
Label TextAlthough the name of the young woman in this painting was probably unknown to Wood, and sadly remains so today, certain characteristics of her feelings and emotions are apparent in the way that Wood painted her in this scene of everyday life, known as a genre painting. Striking a dramatic pose, the young woman adorns herself with a beautiful garland of colorful, though humble, autumn leaves—a stark contrast to society portraits of heiresses with feather boas. Wood hoped that his paintings of African-Americans during Reconstruction in the South would evoke sympathy among his clients in the North, and though he was celebrated by the critics, he was largely unsuccessful in his efforts at social reform
