The Contest for the Bouquet: The Family of Robert Gordon in Their New York Dining-Room

The Contest for the Bouquet: The Family of Robert Gordon in Their New York Dining-Room

Artist: Seymour Joseph Guy

Year: 1866

Medium: Oil on canvas

Artistic and Historical Context

Seymour Joseph Guy's "The Contest for the Bouquet: The Family of Robert Gordon in Their New York Dining-Room" is a quintessential example of 19th-century American genre painting. The work captures a domestic scene with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the social customs and familial dynamics of the period. Guy's ability to convey narrative through composition and expression is evident in this piece, which showcases his skill in rendering textures and light. The painting is significant for its portrayal of middle-class life in post-Civil War America, offering insights into the cultural and social milieu of the time.

Biographical Context

Seymour Joseph Guy (1824–1910) was an English-born artist who emigrated to the United States in 1854, where he became known for his genre scenes and portraits. His work often depicted intimate, everyday moments, characterized by a keen observation of human behavior and interaction. Guy's paintings are noted for their technical precision and narrative depth, contributing to the broader tradition of American realism in the 19th century.

"The Contest for the Bouquet: The Family of Robert Gordon in Their New York Dining-Room" by Seymour Joseph Guy, created in 1866, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the genre style, capturing a domestic scene with meticulous attention to detail and realism. The artwork depicts the Gordon family in an intimate setting, highlighting the social customs and familial interactions of the period within their New York dining room.