Rip Van Winkle

Albertis del Orient Browere

1833 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

Washington Irving’s popular story “Rip Van Winkle” (1819–20) inspired several artists to select dramatic moments from it for the subjects of paintings. Browere chose the conflict between the dazed and unkempt Van Winkle, who has just awoken from a long, deep sleep, and a large group of curious onlookers. A town official confronts Van Winkle with questions about his appearance and his politics, and it is eventually discovered that the old man slumbered through the entire period of the American Revolution and the change in the country’s government.

Artist

Albertis del Orient Browere

Date

1833

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. S. Richard Krown and family, 2002