The Eavesdropper 1866

Eastman Johnson's "The Eavesdropper" (1866) portrays a young girl peering around a large barrel, eavesdropping on two boys playing cards in the woods. This genre painting, typical of Johnson's work, depicts everyday life and the innocent curiosity of children. The scene is rendered with meticulous detail, from the textures of the boys' clothing to the fallen leaves and the rough bark of the trees. The painting evokes a sense of quiet intimacy and the fleeting moments of childhood.