With nostalgia for the end of rural childhoods as a post-Civil War America moved to cities, this celebration of freedom grasps the idyllic, carefree lives of barefoot boys as they move quickly toward the responsibilities of manhood. Homer's boys held hands in a game that may have symbolized a reunited nation. The artist's work as a draftsman, printmaker and illustrator prepared him beautifully for the compositional equilibrium and balanced beauty of this perennial American favorite. The authentic stretched canvas replica painting captures the original work's texture, depth of color, and even its subtle brushstrokes, which are applied by hand. The replica 3.25" wide, European style frame is cast in quality designer resin and highlighted with a beaded inner border and an antiqued ebony finish. Proudly printed and framed in the USA using imported molding.