Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Kenyon Cox died in 1919; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1989.
In context
Lengthening Shadows — Kenyon Cox
The original measures 39 × 77 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 63 at death.
Painted when the artist was 32. The artist lived to 63. 14 of the 66 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Kenyon Cox (1856–1919) ▲ this work, 1888 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1888 Main working years: 1888–1910 Late works: from 1910
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/kenyon-cox-lengthening-shadows-AS7RMP-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Driftwood #ac9c31
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 72.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 67 works by this artist, of which 30 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Lengthening Shadows — Kenyon Cox
The Lengthening Shadows painting, created by Kenyon Cox in 1888, is a stunning example of American art from the late 19th century. This beautiful oil on canvas piece measures 39 x 77 cm and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in the United States.
Kenyon Cox was an American artist, born in 1856, known for his contributions to the American art scene. His work often featured landscapes and portraits, showcasing his skill with oil on canvas. Lengthening Shadows is one of his notable works, demonstrating his ability to capture the essence of a peaceful countryside scene. Key Features of the painting include its use of soft, golden tones to convey a sense of serenity and the gentle slopes of Ohio's rolling hills. The artist's positioning of the viewer at the highest point in the scene emphasizes the depth and perspective within the painting. The Smithsonian American Art Museum describes the piece as a "gentle, grassy slopes of Ohio's rolling hills" which is a perfect example of American landscape art.
For those interested in owning a reproduction of Lengthening Shadows, AllPaintingsStore.com offers hand-made oil painting reproductions. These high-quality reproductions are created by talented artists, ensuring that every detail of the original piece is captured.
Visit AllPaintingsStore.com to explore more about Kenyon Cox and his works.
Learn more about the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its collection on Wikipedia.
The Lengthening Shadows painting is a beautiful representation of American art, showcasing the skill and talent of Kenyon Cox. With its peaceful countryside scene and stunning use of color, it is a piece that continues to captivate audiences today. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of oil on canvas, Lengthening Shadows is definitely worth exploring further.
Artist and museum
Born: October 27, 1856, in Warren, Ohio.
Parents: Jacob Dolson Cox and Helen Finney Cox.
Kenyon Cox initially studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati (formerly the McMicken School of Art). However, he quickly recognized the limited artistic opportunities available in the city.
Following a visit to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, he decided to pursue further education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, hoping it would lead to studies in Europe.
In 1877, Cox moved to Paris, joining a wave of American artists seeking artistic inspiration. He believed Paris was experiencing a “second renaissance” in art.
Influential Teachers: Carolus-Duran, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and Alexandre Cabanel at the École des Beaux-Arts.
He initially studied under Carolus-Duran but became frustrated with what he perceived as a “vulgarity” in Duran’s style.
Travels throughout France and Italy exposed him to the works of Renaissance masters, profoundly shaping his artistic vision.
In 1882, Cox returned to New York City, where he established himself as a painter and illustrator.
Illustration Work: He became well-known for his magazine illustrations, which reached a wider audience than his paintings.
Art Criticism: Cox also wrote unsigned art criticisms for the New York Evening Post, supplementing his income.
His artistic style leaned towards realism, with a focus on landscapes, portraits, and genre studies. He was known for idealized nudes and traditional treatments of classical themes.
Art Students League of New York: Cox became a highly influential instructor at the Art Students League, shaping generations of artists. He designed the League’s logo featuring the motto “Nulla Dies Sine Linea” (No Day Without a Line).
Elected an Associate Academician of the National Academy of Design in 1900 and a full Academician in 1903.
Founding Member: He was one of the founders and secretary of the National Free Arts League.
Leadership Roles: Served as president of the National Society of Mural Painters from 1915 to 1919, and held memberships in various prestigious art organizations.
Cox’s work represented a commitment to classical ideals at a time when modern art movements were emerging. He advocated for careful drawing, modulated color, and the use of allegory and symbolism.
His writings, such as “Two Ways of Painting,” articulated his views on figurative art versus abstract or representational styles.
Legacy: Though not a radical innovator, Kenyon Cox played a crucial role in maintaining traditional artistic standards and educating aspiring artists. His influence extended through his teaching and his contributions to the American art establishment.
Death: March 17, 1919.
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Look closely
Lengthening Shadows — Kenyon Cox
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
A preview of "Lengthening Shadows" by Kenyon Cox is available on the artwork's Preview page.
The colors of "Lengthening Shadows" by Kenyon Cox show a unified palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.
"Lengthening Shadows" by Kenyon Cox is a panoramic composition measuring 39 x 77 cm in the original.