Barton S. Hays (American, 1826-1914). Oil on canvas painting depicting a peaceful nature scene with a family strolling through the woods. A large estate can be seen peeking through the towering trees.

Although Hays initially gained popularity for his portraiture - such as his painting of then-governor of Indiana, William Henry Harrison - his focus shifted to still life paintings after his move to Minneapolis and it was these realistic paintings that were his most popular. He also created panorama paintings such as his painting depicting scenes from Harriet Beecher Stowe's iconic novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Sight; height: 19 3/4 in x width: 25 in. Framed; height: 23 in x width: 28 1/2 in. Wear throughout the recto and verso. There is minute cracking overall. There is a "U" shaped crack along the center lower edge, measuring 2 inches x 1 1/2 inches. There is inpainting throughout. Throughout the recto the varnish is discolored, most noticeably along the top along the sky, and throughout the bottom grass area. There is small dark accretion along the bottom center edge. Under UV light there are numerous spots throughout the foliage that show as florescence that have been restored. There are two small repairs along the tree branches; one in the left middle quadrant, one in the upper right quadrant. Along the extreme edges of the canvas there is wear and losses. Along the verso to the upper left corner there is a tide line and along the bottom left edge, indicating water exposure. There are three canvas patches indicating restoration. There are breaks and wear to frame. The canvas is not secured within frame.