Summer in the Country 1869

"Summer in the Country" (1869), a wood engraving by American artist Winslow Homer, depicts four women playing croquet outdoors. The illustration, originally published in *Harper's Weekly*, is a charming vignette of leisure activities enjoyed in the summer months. The use of line and shading to portray the figures and the landscape creates a sense of idyllic peace, capturing the essence of a relaxing country retreat. This artwork offers insight into the social life and leisure pursuits of American women in the 19th century, showcasing a popular outdoor game that was played in both rural and urban settings.