Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Girl Picking Apple Blossoms" is a captivating painting by American artist Winslow Homer, created in 1879. The artwork is an exquisite example of Homer's skill in capturing the subtle beauty of rural life during the late 19th century.

The painting features a young girl standing amidst a blossoming apple orchard. She is depicted in profile, gently reaching upwards to pluck apple blossoms from the tree. Her dress, rendered with delicate brushwork, is composed of soft, earth-toned hues that harmonize with the natural surroundings. The girl's attire, a simple yet elegant dress with a full skirt and puffed sleeves, suggests the modesty and innocence of a rural lifestyle.

The apple blossoms themselves are depicted with meticulous attention to detail—each flower is individually rendered with delicate, almost ethereal strokes. The blossoms are in various stages of bloom, symbolizing both the ephemeral beauty of nature and the stages of growth and life.

The background of the painting is a lush, verdant landscape, with various shades of green that convey depth and texture. The soft, diffused light filtering through the trees illuminates the scene, adding a sense of warmth and serenity. This interplay of light and shadow demonstrates Homer's mastery in capturing natural light.

- Original Location: The original painting "Girl Picking Apple Blossoms" by Winslow Homer is housed in the The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
- Date: 1879

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) was a prominent American painter, best known for his landscape and marine subjects. Homer's career began with commercial illustration, but he soon transitioned to painting, where he became a leading figure in American realism and naturalism.

- Artistic Career: By 1879, Homer had already experienced significant success and was well into his mature period as an artist. This period was characterized by his focus on rural and coastal themes—often depicting scenes of everyday life with a profound sense of realism and humanity.

- Artistic Movements: Homer's work during this period is often associated with the American Realism movement, which sought to depict contemporary life and nature with fidelity to real-life appearances. His emphasis on the natural environment and the simplicity of rural life also resonates with themes from the Barbizon School, a group of French painters who focused on naturalistic landscapes.

- Symbolism: The apple blossoms can be seen as a symbol of beauty, youth, and the fleeting nature of life. The act of picking blossoms might also suggest a moment of pause and appreciation for nature's transitory beauty.
- Technique: Homer’s technique in this painting is characterized by his adept use of watercolor and loose, yet controlled brushstrokes. This allows for a soft, almost impressionistic effect, capturing the lightness and delicacy of the scene without sacrificing detail.
- Composition: The composition is balanced and serene, with the girl slightly off-center to the left, which guides the viewer's eye naturally through the scene—from the girl’s extended hand to the surrounding blossoms and the tranquility of the orchard.

In summary, "Girl Picking Apple Blossoms" is a quintessential example of Winslow Homer’s ability to meld naturalistic detail with an evocative, almost poetic depiction of rural Americana. It reflects his mastery in capturing the tranquil and unembellished moments of everyday life, offering a window into the gentle and often overlooked facets of human experience and nature.