46

GEORGE HENRY DURRIE

American, 1820-1863

New England Farm in Winter, ca. 1862-1863

oil on panel
unsigned
10 3/4 x 18 1/4 in. (27.3 x 46.4 cm.), Frame: 17 1/4 x 25 x 3 1/2 in. (43.8 x 63.5 x 8.9 cm.)

  • Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
  • Notes: This painting has been seen and authenticated by Martha Hutson-Saxton Ph.D., art historian and expert on George Henry Durrie. Dr. Hutson-Saxton dates the painting as circa 1862-1863. We thank her for her assistance cataloging this lot.


    George Henry Durrie created some of the most popular and enduring images of mid-nineteenth century rural American life. While he painted all of the seasons, he is best known for his winter scenes, such as the present lot, which combine views of New England farmhouses with genre elements such as oxen, horses, logging carts, and sleighs. In 1861 and 1867, Currier & Ives popularized his paintings by doing a series of ten lithographs. The disruption of the Civil War and the increased urbanization and industrialization of the late 1860s gave new meaning to these scenes of homey comforts and family gatherings.

    Durrie was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1820. He studied with the local portraitist Nathaniel Jocelyn, and from 1836 to 1841, he worked as an itinerant portrait painter in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. After his marriage to Sarah A. Perkins of Bethany, Connecticut, in 1841, he returned to New Haven, where he remained for the rest of his life, except for 1857, which he spent in New York City. He sold his works from his studio in New Haven and exhibited at the National Academy of Design, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Boston Athenaeum, and the American Art Union.

    Before Durrie, only Thomas Doughty and Thomas Birch had shown a serious interest in painting winter landscapes. Most nineteenth-century artists preferred to work in the comfort of their warm studios during the cold months, and winter, which, at the time, was not considered suitable subject matter for the uplifting didactic role of landscape painting. George Durrie had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the American winter landscape, and his idealized views of neat, cozy New England farms have a timeless quality. This work, New England Farm in WInter, is a prime example of the artist's work.

    Durrie's untimely death at age forty-three is one of the reasons why his paintings are relatively rare and thus coveted by collectors. His work can be found in many major museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut.
  • Condition: in overall excellent condition; a few scattered dots of restoration visible under UV

    CONDITION REPORTS FOR THE AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A CONDITION REPORT ON THIS LOT. THE ABSENCE OF A CONDITION REPORT OR THE ABSENCE OF A REFERENCE TO DAMAGE DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE LOT IS IN GOOD CONDITION OR FREE FROM RESTORATION OR REPAIR.

    We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. 
    NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at [email protected] or 203-453-8866, Phil Buyse at [email protected] or (860) 561-1369, or Kristen Vineyard at Village Express 203-481-7426.

Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the responsibility of the buyer.

April 30, 2026 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US

Shannon's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000