Neighboring Pews

Copied John Rogers, Neighboring Pews, 1883, plaster, 17 5⁄8 x 17 x 12 1⁄8 in. (44.9 x 43.2 x 30.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fred D. Bentley, Sr., 2004.33.1
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Neighboring Pews
Artist
Date
1883
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
17 5⁄8 x 17 x 12 1⁄8 in. (44.9 x 43.2 x 30.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Fred D. Bentley, Sr.
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Recreation — church
Object Number
2004.33.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2004.33.1

Artwork Description

Scenes of everyday life frequently inspired the work of John Rogers. In Neighboring Pews, a gentleman flirtatiously directs a young woman to the correct page in her hymnal as an older lady looks on with an expression Rogers called "[indignation] at the preference shown." It seems that no one pays attention to the ceremony at hand—a young boy in the front pew tries on the man's hat and gloves, oblivious to the scene unfolding behind him. Rogers sent pictures of his work to newspapers with the hopes that they would write articles to promote his art. This often worked, and he was one of the first artists to use images to sell his work. Neighboring Pews was first released in time for Christmas 1883, and newspapers advertised it as an excellent gift, especially for pastors.