Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The stretch of land illustrated in Rockwell Kent's "Child Under Tree"
is nestled into the countryside of Nelson County, Virginia.
Built by Wall Street financier Thomas Fortune Ryan,
the estate was later bequeathed to his grandson, J.J. Ryan,
a well-known patron of Kent's works.
A painter, writer, and illustrator, Rockwell Kent drew inspiration from
the beauty he saw in this estate, particularly its stark splendor.
His painting, which depicts an outsized oak tree and windswept landscape
in the background, reflects his fascination with the natural world.
Just a few decades ago, people's idea of relaxation was sitting under an oak tree,
looking at the beautiful horizon.
Times were less fast-paced and phrenetic; people could actually take time to enjoy
the environment around them.
Perhaps Kent encourages us to sit quietly and appreciate our commonwealth's beauty.