Object ID	N0425.1955
Title	The Blacksmith Shop
Artist	Johnson, Eastman
Object Name	Painting
Early Date	1863
Exhibit label line3	Observing a blacksmith in his shop was an exciting experience for children in the 19th century. In this painting, he is the object of fascination for those who gather to watch him practice his craft and a picture of individuality, self-reliance, compassion, and skill. Although most successful during the 19th century as a portrait painter, Eastman Johnson is best remembered today for his remarkable genre scenes. Johnson began his career in 1842 as a portraitist in crayon, and worked in Augusta, Washington, D.C., and Boston. While in Boston, Johnson became known to the local literati and made portraits of Longfellow, Emerson, and Hawthorne. Emerson in particular urged the young artist to depict American themes--African-Americans, Native Americans, politics, and the frontier-and in 1849, Johnson left to acquire greater technical proficiency in Germany. After working in The Hague and Paris, Johnson returned to Washington D.C. in 1855. Following a year on the Minnesota frontier, he settled in New York City and began his career as a genre painter.
Description	The Blacksmith Shop Marks: Signed lower right corner: "E. JOHNSON/1863."
Classification	Academic Art--Painting/Drawing--Scene--Genre
Dimensions	H-17 W-21 inches
Material	Oil on canvas
Makers mark	Signed lower right corner: "E. JOHNSON/1863."

Prior written permission is required for any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use of the images in any media, including but not limited to, printed or electronic media. Contact the Office of the Registrar, New York State Historical Association, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, (607) 547-1444, to request permission.    
Last modified on: November 04, 2005