The artwork titled “Sunday Morning” by Eastman Johnson, created in 1863, is a representative piece of the Realism art movement and can be classified within the portrait genre.
The artwork presents a serene and contemplative scene featuring a man seated in a relaxed manner, leaning back against the wall. The subject appears to be engrossed in reading a newspaper, as suggested by the paper held in his right hand. Dressed in rustic attire, including a wide-brimmed hat, the man exudes an air of casual repose and introspection. The setting is a modest, dimly lit interior that is indicative of the mid-19th century period. The muted color palette and detailed rendering of the textures and light create a lifelike and intimate portrayal, characteristic of Realism. This painting captures both the simplicity and quietude typically associated with a Sunday morning, reflecting Johnson’s adeptness at conveying everyday human experiences and emotions through his art.
