Inness began his career executing detailed, realistic landscapes in a style similar to other artists of the Hudson River School. After a series of trips to Europe, as well as growing involvement in Swedenborgianism¡ªthe spiritual doctrines of the theologian Emmanuel Swedenborg¡ªInness created increasingly free, mystical, and expansive paintings. This work was painted following a visit to France and Italy from 1870 to 1874, during what has been considered the most important phase of Inness¡¯s career. Here a group of farmers harvest grain in the foreground, while a storm seems to be brewing in the background. Inness frequently used approaching storms as a sign of God revealing himself in nature. The notion that the natural world was imbued with the spirit of the divine was an important component of Inness¡¯s religious beliefs. Title The Wheat Field Creator George Inness (American, 1825-1894) Date Created c. 1875¨C77 Physical Dimensions Unframed 50.8 x 76 cm (20 x 29 15/16 in.) Provenance Mrs. J. E. T. Rutter 1899; Mrs. L.W. Rutter, 1918; Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Copelin Type Painting Rights CC0 Medium oil on canvas Inscriptions Signed lower lert G. Inness Department American Painting and Sculpture Culture America, 19th century Credit Line Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Copelin Collection American - Painting Accession Number 1978.74
