Husking

This print reproduces Eastman Johnson's 1860 painting "The Corn Husking." In a dark barn interior, a standing man, dressed in overalls and vest, carries on his shoulders a basket filled with husked ears of corn. At left, a young girl (dressed in blue coat and bonnet) sits beside an old bearded man (wearing a top hat and dark suit) who braids ears of corn into a garland. At right, surrounded by husk remains, a seated young man gazes at a young woman who has paused in her shucking tasks. In right background, barely visible in the dark recesses of the barn, there is an old woman shucking corn; in the dark central background, there are additional workers. At lower right, a black dog lies beside a gun propped against the barn door.

Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of prints (most drawn on the stones by other artists) in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.