The Potato Harvest by Charles Samuel Keene

The Potato Harvest 1877

drawing, print, gouache, paper, ink, ink-drawings, chalk, graphite, pen, black-chalk

drawing

amateur sketch

toned paper

light pencil work

print

gouache

pencil sketch

incomplete sketchy

paper

ink

ink drawing experimentation

england

underpainting

ink-drawings

chalk

water

graphite

pen

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

black-chalk

watercolor

"The Potato Harvest" is a 1877 ink and wash drawing by Charles Samuel Keene, housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The work depicts a scene of three gentlemen, seemingly in a public space, as they gaze towards the right. Their attire, with hats and formal jackets, suggests the drawing is a representation of Victorian era society. Keene was known for his satirical social commentary and keen observation of everyday life, which can be seen in this piece through the subtle gestures and expressions of the figures. The small size of the drawing allows for a more intimate and immediate experience of the scene, drawing the viewer into the moment of the men's interaction.