Taking the Census
By Francis William Edmunds

Describe:
-In this painting, there is a lot of emphasis of family and children.
- The artist uses fire, shading, and stillness to create the illusion of capturing a moment in time.
- Lots of use of horizontal and vertical lines.
Analyze:
- The light colors of their clothes create a sense happiness and gentleness.
- Use of implied lines to create a static picture.
- Although the picture is static, the expressions and positions of the characters create a sense of movement and poise.
- Elements of brown and copper shades are sensed, create a unifying presence with the family.
Interpret:
Francis Edmunds is trying to portray the simplicity of life in the 1900's. In society, family was very important and he has distinguished its importance in the painting as week by centering it and creating emphasis. The horizontal lines give it a dynamic feel, just like the ever changing times.

Source: metmusuem.org

Taking the Census 1854