The artwork titled “The Mier Expedition The Drawing of the Black Bean” was created by Frederic Remington in the year 1896. This painting falls under the art movement of Impressionism and belongs to the genres of history painting and genre painting.
The artwork depicts a solemn historical moment set in an outdoor courtyard. Central to the scene is a table where a blindfolded man selects a black bean from a container, observed by multiple onlookers dressed in military uniforms and civilian attire. Armed guards and soldiers appear to oversee the process, underscoring the tension of the event. The architectural elements of arches and rooftops draw the observer’s eye towards the distant background, while various pottery items are scattered on the ground to the right, adding to the ambiance of everyday life disrupted by the grim proceedings. The muted color palette and detailed representation of the figures and setting reflect both the significance of the event and Remington’s Impressionist influences.