The paintings embrace different manifestations of history painting. The tremendous social changes taking place during the Industrial Age, especially the throngs of people migrating to the cities, made art patrons long for the simplicity and purity of country life. As a consequence, realistic and idealized country scenes were highly prized. Powerfully realistic paintings of people in fishing villages by Walter Langley balance out the idealism of Millet and Breton. A strong sense of community is portrayed as they share their boredom and their unspoken anxiety.
Hands are busy with knitting as eyes gaze off into the distance.
Without including the sea, Langley implies its nearness and unpredictability. With this theme, artists revel in the glamorous and sophisticated world of the upper echelons of society. There are three Tissots in the exhibition - a nice complement to the Tissot exhibition at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Conn., which runs through November 28. A small dog joins her at the fire. Jewels, hair adornments, and fans further enhance the crowd.