“Stop to appreciate James Henry Moser's detailed graphite drawing of a serene farm scene, where a majestic tree shelters grazing cows, offering a peaceful moment of rural observation.”
This graphite drawing, "On Woodward's Farm," offers a quiet glimpse into rural life, likely in the early 20th century. The scene is dominated by a large, gnarled tree, its branches reaching across the frame, providing shade for a small group of cows. The artist, James Henry Moser, captures the texture of the tree's bark and the soft undulations of the pasture with remarkable detail and sensitivity. The farm buildings in the distance, though lightly sketched, anchor the composition and hint at human presence without detracting from the natural focus. This work invites a moment of contemplation, showing the serene coexistence of agriculture and nature, a common theme in American art of the period.
- Artist
- James Henry Moser
- Medium
- Graphite on paper
- Location
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
- Dimensions
- 18 × 23.9 cm (7 1/16 × 9 7/16 in.)
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The intricate texture of the tree's bark and its sprawling branches.
The subtle shading that gives volume to the cows in the foreground.
The delicate lines outlining the distant farm buildings.
The varied strokes used to depict the grassy field.
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through On Woodward's Farm — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
James Henry Moser
1854–1913 · CanadaJames Henry Moser was a Canadian painter whose career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Further Works by Moser
Sunset, Mount McIntyre
1907 · Smithsonian American Art Museum
A Bridge, Design for Washington Board of Trade Dinner, May 13, 1908
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Half-tone Engraving: How to Obtain a Patent, Copp & Co. Patent Attorneys, Washington, D.C.
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Shipyard and Pier
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Capitol in Washington, D.C., for the Weekly Times
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Woodland Camp
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Self-Portrait
1887 · Smithsonian American Art Museum