Description:
interior with large fireplace, old bearded man in shirt and vest seated on stool holding toy out to young baby in long robe tied into a high chair; man; child; furniture; interior; leisure/recreation; toy
Label Text:
These “boon companions,” or best friends, play with a wooden jumping jack toy that was animated by the pull of a string. The simple game creates a bond between grandfather and grandchild. The well-worn wooden chairs, mended clothing, and iron kettle by the fireplace add to a nostalgic scene of simple, rustic pleasures.
This type of painting is often termed “genre” painting, with subjects drawn from everyday life. Champney’s genre pictures frequently featured the very young and the very old, forming an idealized image of American life and character.
Champney painted Boon Companions while he was teaching at Smith College (from 1877 to 1884). As Smith’s first art instructor, he also advised Smith College President L. Clark Seelye on acquiring contemporary American art for the College’s collection.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=SC+1900.29 |
