Artist: Tarbell, Edmund Charles (1862-1938)

Child and Boat

Inventory Number: 2011-FA2

Object Description: Child and Boat is a tender and intimate painting by American artist Edmund Charles Tarbell, created during the late 19th or early 20th century. Known for his mastery of light, color, and portraiture, Tarbell was a prominent figure in the American Impressionist movement. In this piece, Tarbell captures a quiet, contemplative moment in the life of a young boy, evoking a sense of innocence, serenity, and connection to nature.

The composition is simple yet evocative: a young boy is depicted standing or sitting on a sandy beach, with the vast, open seascape stretching behind him. His back is often turned toward the viewer, suggesting a moment of introspection or quiet observation as he gazes toward the horizon, or perhaps is in the midst of playing. The boy's posture is relaxed, conveying a sense of calm and wonder as he interacts with the natural world around him. His clothing, typically light and simple, suggests the casualness of a summer day spent by the sea.