Johnson made few landscapes in Europe and later in America. His skill was as a figure painter, although often landscape elements give context to his figures. —PH
American Art-Union sale catalogue, 1852: "Two peasant lovers are conversing, seated near a ruined wall. A woman and child stand on the hill-side, overlooking the valley beyond. This picture was painted in Düsseldorf, where the artist is studying."
Letter from Eastman Johnson, then in Düsseldorf, to Andrew Warner, corresponding secretary of the American Art-Union, October 10, 1850: "I am therefore obliged to send pictures home for sale rather earlier in my practice of oils than I should otherwise do. The largest I call 'Peasants on the Rhine' it being the costume &c & indicative of the kind of scenery somewhat farther up in this vicinity. The small one 'The Junior Partner' which names I forgot to write on the backs. The price I set at $175. for both, which is less than I was advised to ask by the others here."