Eastman Johnson: Nantucket

"Husking Bee, Island of Nantucket" by Eastman Johnson

"Eastman Johnson had begun casting about for a new summer spot by June 1870, at a time when he apparently was suffering great anguish, caused at least in part by Elizabeth's apparent poor health after Ethel's birth in May. Eager to find a site near sea breezes for his wife's relief, they settled on Nantucket by early August, and within a year they had purchased a house and property on the island.

The Johnsons were among the earliest touristic arrivals and for more than two decades would be among Nantucket's most enthusiastic promoters.  By 1873 the agglomeration of old houses in which they made their home and studio, overlooking a long stretch of beach on the north shore at a high point known as the Cliff, was a feature of a lengthy article in 'Scribner's Monthly.'

Johnson was fascinated with the regional characters and also the interiors of the homes. He created paintings such as 'Old Captain,' 'What the Shell Says,' 'Susan Ray's Kitchen -  Nantucket,' 'The New Bonnet,' and 'Husking Bee, Island of Nantucket.'

"Susan Ray's Kitchen - Nantucket" by Eastman Johnson

'Husking Bee' represented his renewed attempt to complete a large, multi-figure composition set outdoors. It was his response to the younger generation of Munich Realists returning to the New York art scene. Long, opposing rows of huskers comprise a lively assortment of poses and colorful accents set against the backdrop of a moody tonal landscape and the brighter carpet of exuberantly brushed stalks.

With deliberate breadth, he described recognizable types. A sheet of beautifully executed drawings for the composition demonstrates the careful study and fine line on which he based the final, freely executed elements. Two additional sheets from the same period, done in preparation for other compositions, provide additional examples of the fine pencil work that he customarily employed to delineate heads and the broader touch that he reserved for other details."

To be continued

(Excerpts from "Eastman Johnson: Painting America" by Teresa Carbone and Patricia Hills.)