Artwork Page for The Devil and Tom Walker

Details / Information for The Devil and Tom Walker

The Devil and Tom Walker

1856

John Quidor

(American, 1801–1881)
Culture
United States
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Framed: 84 x 104 x 8.5 cm (33 1/16 x 40 15/16 x 3 3/8 in.); Unframed: 68.8 x 86.6 cm (27 1/16 x 34 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1967.18
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Only around 35 paintings by John Quidor are known to exist today.

Description

Based on a story by Washington Irving published in 1824, The Devil and Tom Walker presents a miserly man who encounters the devil while traveling through a heavily wooded swamp. Walker, seen on the left in the painting, strikes a deal with the devil, who holds an ax at far right, soon gaining riches but losing his soul in the process. Ultimately, the devil destroys Walker.
A horizontally oriented oil painting in thick, layered brushstrokes depicts a shadowy forest. In the foreground, Tom Walker, with light skin in a tan coat and striped trousers, leans right to prod human skulls with a staff. In the background, the Devil, with medium-dark skin wearing red, sits among gnarled trees. Heavy shadows and earthy brown tones dominate the composition, creating a dark, eerie atmosphere.

The Devil and Tom Walker

1856

John Quidor

(American, 1801–1881)
United States

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