Asher B. Durand (American, 1796–1886). The First Harvest in the Wilderness, 1855. Oil on canvas, 31 5/8 × 48 1/16 in. (80.3 × 122 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Transferred from the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences to the Brooklyn Museum, 97.12 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 97.12_cropped_PS22.jpg)
Asher B. Durand (American, 1796–1886). The First Harvest in the Wilderness, 1855. Oil on canvas, 31 5/8 × 48 1/16 in. (80.3 × 122 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Transferred from the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences to the Brooklyn Museum, 97.12 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 97.12_framed_PS22.jpg)
The First Harvest in the Wilderness
Asher B. Durand
American Art
On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Radical Care
Although not a scene of the American West, this painting can be interpreted within the context of the artistic perpetuation of the notion of Manifest Destiny. Here the American wilderness yields to progress as a lone farmer reaps his first harvest in a field, still dotted with the stumps of recently cleared trees. A boulder resting by the side of the road identifies him by name as “Graham.”
Using funds bequeathed by one of its founders, Augustus Graham, the Brooklyn Museum commissioned Asher B. Durand to paint this work in 1855, thus officially establishing its collection of American art. Durand’s dramatic landscape pays tribute to Graham’s efforts as a cultural pioneer.
Using funds bequeathed by one of its founders, Augustus Graham, the Brooklyn Museum commissioned Asher B. Durand to paint this work in 1855, thus officially establishing its collection of American art. Durand’s dramatic landscape pays tribute to Graham’s efforts as a cultural pioneer.
MEDIUM
Oil on canvas
DATES
1855
DIMENSIONS
31 5/8 × 48 1/16 in. (80.3 × 122 cm)
frame: 43 3/4 × 59 1/4 × 4 1/4 in. (111.1 × 150.5 × 10.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed lower center: "A B Durand, pt. / 1855"
INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed on boulder, lower right: "Graham"
COLLECTIONS
American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
97.12
CREDIT LINE
Transferred from the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences to the Brooklyn Museum
PROVENANCE
1855, commissioned from the artist by the Brooklyn Institute; 1897, gift of the Brooklyn Institute to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Radical Care
CAPTION
Asher B. Durand (American, 1796–1886). The First Harvest in the Wilderness, 1855. Oil on canvas, 31 5/8 × 48 1/16 in. (80.3 × 122 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Transferred from the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences to the Brooklyn Museum, 97.12 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 97.12_cropped_PS22.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 97.12_cropped_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
No known copyright restrictions
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