George Henry Durrie

To Hartford—IX Miles

To Hartford--IX Miles depicts a wintertime scene in rural Connecticut. The path in the foreground leads the viewer’s eye to a bustling inn, and the colorful sleds, prancing horses, and smoking chimney add a sense of mirthful warmth to the otherwise frigid scenery.

Durrie was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and spent his life painting portraits and landscapes in the areas around his hometown. During the 1850s, the artist’s favorite subject was winter scenes like this one, which illustrate the liveliness of everyday country life.

To Hartford--IX Miles is one of Durrie’s most accomplished works, combining charming storytelling with a refined sense of composition. His attention to detail delighted viewers, and the relatable narratives of rustic scenes provided a sense of nostalgia for Americans who were moving from rural to urban areas.