Ark of the Covenant c. 1865 - 1880

"Ark of the Covenant" is an oil painting on canvas by American folk artist Erastus Salisbury Field, dating from roughly 1865 to 1880. Depicting a group of people in a field harvesting wheat, the painting embodies Field's fascination with the simplicity of rural life and its biblical ties. His unique style is characterized by a naive, almost childlike quality, with figures rendered in a stylized manner and bright, flat colors. The painting is a testament to the artistic spirit of a self-taught painter and showcases his ability to create captivating scenes from everyday life. The work is an example of American primitive art and offers a window into the artistic expressions of a time when art was often a personal pursuit rather than a professional one.