Robert Peckham – The Hobby Horse National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents two young boys within a domestic interior. One stands beside a rocking horse, actively engaged in riding it, while the other observes with a detached expression. The boy on the horse is dressed in a dark green suit with a white collar and matching stockings; he holds reins that appear somewhat stiff and formal. His posture suggests an attempt at controlled masculinity, though his face betrays a certain solemnity rather than exuberant joy.
The standing boy wears a vibrant red dress with a similar high collar and white stockings. He carries a woven basket, its contents obscured from view. His gaze is directed outward, beyond the immediate scene, lending him an air of quiet contemplation or perhaps even slight melancholy. The contrast between his bright attire and the darker tones surrounding him draws attention to his presence.
The rocking horse itself is rendered with considerable detail; its spotted coat and flowing mane are meticulously depicted. It sits upon a patterned rug that dominates the foreground, its design incorporating floral motifs and geometric shapes. A staircase ascends in the background, partially obscured by heavy draperies, suggesting an upper level of the house beyond. To the right, a lamp stands on a table, casting a warm glow that illuminates part of the scene.
The overall impression is one of restrained formality and subtle psychological complexity. The children’s expressions are not overtly joyful; instead, they convey a sense of quiet seriousness unusual for depictions of childhood. This restraint, coupled with the elaborate clothing and carefully arranged setting, hints at an emphasis on social propriety and perhaps even a degree of melancholy or suppressed emotion within the domestic sphere. The basket carried by the standing boy could symbolize responsibility or duty, while the rocking horse, typically associated with carefree play, is presented in a more formal and controlled manner. The painting seems to explore themes of childhood, class, and the performance of social roles rather than simply depicting a playful moment.