The Finish
circa 1860 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This American folk art painting depicts a harness horse race in progress, captured from the viewpoint of spectators near the track finish line. It features a judge's stand at center with a small American flag atop it, set against a pastoral landscape.
Did you know?
This piece exemplifies the genre of 19th-century American folk art, which often captured everyday leisure activities with a focus on narrative detail rather than realistic perspective. The inclusion of the American flag atop the judge's stand subtly anchors the scene in the mid-1800s, reflecting the era's growing national pride and the popularity of organized sporting events in rural communities.
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The Finish
American 19th Century, circa 1860
