Nelson-Atkins Custom Prints
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About the Artwork

A critic in 1844 described this barefoot boy in ragtag clothing as "laziness personified." His complete ease is embodied in his languid pose and heavy lidded eyes and echoed in the fallen basket, lax fishing line and sluggish river. This sentimental view, rendered with creamy, smooth brushwork, developed from John Gadsby Chapman's experience illustrating volumes of romantic verse. His talent for drawing is revealed in the boy's hat, clothing and especially in the outturned foot.

Chapman desired, above all, to be a history painter, but he painted portraits and genre scenes to earn a living. Pleasing scenes of children were especially popular in the mid-19th century as they offered musings on childhood innocence and freedom in an increasingly challenging world.

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About Our Prints

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Made to Order
On-Demand Printing
All of our products are printed on-demand for each order. We adhere to strict production processes to ensure that the quality and consistency of every order matches the expectations of our institution and our customers.
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Premium Materials
Archival Quality
We exclusively use 230 gsm archival paper and gallery-quality canvas substrates in our production process. The 12-color pigment ink printers we use produce incredibly accurate color reproduction, outstanding image clarity, and enhanced detail.
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Match Your Style
Customization
Starting with the image size and the substrate, you can customize your print to match your needs and space. Then you can select a frame moulding from an assortment of high-quality options that you can tailor to suit the image and your decor.