To Decide the Question 1897

"To Decide the Question" (1897) by John George Brown is a realistic oil painting depicting three elderly men seated in a rustic barn setting. The men, dressed in simple attire, are engaged in a seemingly quiet discussion. Brown was known for his sentimental and genre paintings, often portraying scenes of everyday life, and this work embodies his style, capturing a moment of contemplation and shared experience among aging individuals. The painting, which is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in the late 19th century, highlighting their quiet dignity and the bonds of shared history.