Motherhood, by E. L. Henry, American 1841-1919
Memories by E.L. Henry
First Railroad Train by E.L. Henry
Woman With a Baby by E.L. Henry
Spinning Jenny 1874 by E.L. Henry
Unexpected Visitor
E.L. Henry was an American illustrator and artist whose paintings told stories of the American life in the 19th century.
I especially like "Unexpected Visitor" above because of the country surroundings, the design of the house, the grandmother on the front porch with her knitting, and the lady of the house with her apron, looking out to see who is driving up in the carriage. I always like to point out the distictive differences in the male and female clothing of the times, too, and the sweet scenes of home and family. A look at the painting "A Lover of Old China" made me wonder what "old china" would have been like to the people of that era, for what was new to them, is now antique to us.
Some of the paintings can be clicked on for a larger view, in which can be seen the details of the architecture, the interior design of window hangings, fireplace mantel arrangements, furnishings, rugs, tableware and much more. The styles of furniture, dishes and fabrics are still being produced today.
E.L. Henry was related by marriage to the author Grace Livingston Hill.
How interesting about Grace Livingston Hill. As an older mom, I still quit everything else and read a book by her when I have absolute homemaking "mental block". I instantly go from uninspired to inspired and refreshed, and ready to go again.
ReplyDeleteAnd there are those white curtains I am about to make, in the 4th picture!
I was also happy to find that Mrs. Hill was related to Isabella Alden, who wrote the excellent books for children, found on the "Keepers of the Faith" website.
These are beautiful pictures. Love you! You are such a source of peace and insiration, I go to your website several times a day.
Another thing - we are reading "A Man Called Peter" for bedtime this week. It mentions Peter Marshall's sermon, "Keepers of the Springs", so we copied it from your website and read that aloud too. The book has more of his quotes about women as homemakers, which are worth reading, and as inspiring as what was in that sermon! Good family book.
Lovely paintings! Like Anon. 10:51 I visit your blog, usually once each day. Sometimes, if I have the computer on all day, I might visit 4 or 5 times a day. (I pray you don't think I'm some awful troll, as I understand that multiple visits can mean that). For myself, I just want to see if you have posted anything new; sometimes I just take a look at any pictures you've put up...then come back later to read lengthier articles.
ReplyDeleteWasn't "A Man Called Peter" made into a movie in the Fifties? I seem to remember a scene where a young woman was defending a preacher, as he stood up on a flatbed or some similar thing, & he was taking to task a crowd of sneering, sassy college-aged young people for their behavior. Anyway, I think it was a movie about Peter Marshall.
"Keeper of the Springs" is truly one of the best sermons on the worth, the importance, of those who will remain at home.
Many thanks for your lovely & peaceful blog...
Brenda
I have an original edition of Grace Livingston Hill's "Miranda", which was the third in the Marcia Schuyler trilogy. It was written in 1915, the year my mother was born, and contains a couple of illustrations by Mr. Henry. Beautiful! I feel very close to these folks, since these books take place around and in my hometown area of Schenectady, NY. I believe the first train, as in the painting, ran from the edge of my town towards Albany, so these paintings reflect the land I grew up on. The countryside up there is still beautiful and inspiring, and is always "with me" when I write and in the fashioning of my home and garden. Thank you for this post, with its lovely paintings and your own inspiring words.
ReplyDeleteThose paintings are lovely...this is the kind of art I like.
ReplyDeleteThe First Railroad or train is fascinating...it seems that they put carriages on train wheels and pulled the carriages with passengers..the country house with the unexpected visitors reminds me of what my home area in Bucks County, Pa may have looked and 'felt' like in the 1700's or 1800's...so idylic and pastural and remote.....heaven on earth. Thank you for posting such wonderfuly uplifting paintings, Lady Lydia. I usually come to your post before going to bed for some comforting beauty you share with us across the nation. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteLynn M.