On Their Way to Camp 1873

"On Their Way to Camp" (1873) by Eastman Johnson depicts a group of men hauling a barrel of maple syrup on a sled through a snowy forest. The painting, known for its meticulous detail and realistic portrayal of rural life, captures the essence of early American life and the importance of maple syrup production in the region. Johnson, a prominent American genre painter, focused on everyday scenes and often celebrated the lives of working people. The scene showcases the skills and teamwork necessary for the laborious process of maple sugaring, a tradition deeply embedded in the culture of the time.