One Day in June

William Thomas Smedley, One Day in June, ca. 1880-1885, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William T. Evans, 1909.7.62
Copied William Thomas Smedley, One Day in June, ca. 1880-1885, oil on canvas, 24 1⁄4 x 16 1⁄4 in. (61.5 x 41.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William T. Evans, 1909.7.62
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
One Day in June
Artist
Date
ca. 1880-1885
Location
Dimensions
24 1⁄4 x 16 1⁄4 in. (61.5 x 41.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of William T. Evans
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Landscape — season — summer
  • Recreation — leisure — conversation
  • Architecture Interior — domestic — house
Object Number
1909.7.62
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1909.7.62

Artwork Description

William Thomas Smedley was famous for his illustrations in Harper’s Weekly and other popular magazines. This country scene evokes the Brandywine River valley of Smedley’s youth. The woman’s face glows as she banters with her surprise visitor, who leans into the shadowy room from the sun-drenched field beyond. Smedley’s skill in bringing a story to life shows in this image. We can feel the heat of summer, the cool of the interior, and the excitement of the courting couple.