Reverie 1866

Daniel Ridgway Knight painted this oil on canvas called 'Reverie,' likely in France where he spent much of his career. The work depicts a woman resting by a river, a dog at her side. This image offers a glimpse into the world of rural France. It suggests a life of leisure, but we should be wary of taking it at face value. Consider the broader social context of the late 19th century. There were increasing divisions of labor, as well as growing class consciousness and social reform movements. Knight's art has been read as conservative for depicting idealized versions of peasant life. But perhaps it is a more complex statement about the rapid transformations of French society during this period. To understand Knight's place in art history, scholars have consulted exhibition reviews, biographical accounts, and studies of the art market. Only by delving deeper into the circumstances of its creation can we truly appreciate its significance.