The artwork “Game of Croquet” by Winslow Homer dates to approximately 1865 and is an oil on canvas piece. Characteristic of the Realism art movement, this genre painting measures 60.3 by 87.9 centimeters. Currently, it is housed at the Yale University Art Gallery, located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
In the artwork, one observes a bucolic setting where two women are engaged in a game of croquet. The woman in the foreground is depicted in a poised stance, holding her mallet with a contemplative gaze, possibly strategizing her next move. She is dressed in a blue gown with a wide skirt, reflecting the fashion of the period. Her counterpart, clothed in a striking red and white ensemble, appears to be in movement, possibly following through after taking her shot. The lush greenery of the grass and trees suggests that this leisurely activity is taking place in an outdoor, serene environment. The precise brushwork and attention to the details of the figures’ attire and the croquet equipment underscore the realist approach taken by Homer, where the common activities of the day are rendered with authenticity and detail.
