Description

Artist Unknown
19th Century
10 ½ x 8 in.

A work of art that inspired influential Americans.  Hung in the home of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (in the company of his son, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.).  The work captures children at play, and evokes the spirit enthusiasm that only young ones possess.

“This painting hung in the study of Oliver Wendell Holmes for many years.” –
plaque text at bottom center on frame.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (August 29, 1809 – October 7, 1894) was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. A member of the Fireside Poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. His most famous prose works are the “Breakfast-Table” series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858). He was also an important medical reformer. In addition to his work as an author and poet, Holmes also served as a physician, professor, lecturer, and inventor, and although he never practiced it, he received formal training in law.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. (March 8, 1841 – March 6, 1935) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932, and as Acting Chief Justice of the United States January–February 1930.