Family Burying Ground
circa 1840 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This painting depicts a rural family cemetery scene featuring grave markers in the foreground with a river, steamboat, and rolling hills in the background. It is a characteristic example of American folk art from the mid-19th century.
Did you know?
This painting is a quintessential example of American folk art, reflecting the 19th-century cultural practice of 'mourning art' or memorial painting. These works were often created to commemorate deceased family members while serving as a record of the landscape and community surroundings. The inclusion of the steamboat highlights the era's reliance on river transportation as a vital part of American life during the mid-1800s.
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Family Burying Ground
American 19th Century, circa 1840
