The artwork, entitled “Feeding the Turkey,” was created by Eastman Johnson between circa 1872 and circa 1880. This oil on canvas painting, representative of the Realism art movement, measures 60.96 by 40.64 centimeters and belongs to the genre painting category. Currently, this notable piece resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, a woman stands against a plain backdrop, her attention focused on a turkey at her side. She holds a bowl aloft in her right hand, as if preparing to feed the bird. Dressed in modest clothing, the woman exudes a serene presence, while the turkey, with its dark feathers and bright head, gazes up at the food. To the right, tall flowers add a touch of natural beauty to the scene, enhancing the simple, everyday life theme central to Realism. The artist’s deft use of light and texture brings this quiet, intimate moment to life, capturing both human and animal subjects with keen observation and depth.
