James Taylor Harwood (American, 1860–1940) Seven Bunnies Oil on canvas 12⅜ × 15 in. Frame: 21 × 23⅞ in. Signed lower right: James T. Harwood
In this intimate animal study, Harwood arranges seven rabbits in a close cluster, their bodies overlapping in a quiet moment of rest and alertness. The low vantage point and compressed space draw the viewer into the animals’ world, while warm earth tones unify the composition. Subtle shifts of light across fur and ground animate the surface without disturbing the overall calm. A single leaf in the foreground provides a note of color and scale, underscoring the naturalism of the scene. The painting’s appeal lies in its balance of careful observation and gentle sentiment, capturing animal life with empathy and restraint.
James Taylor Harwood was an American painter known for his portraits, genre scenes, and sensitive depictions of animals and domestic life. Born in Utah, he trained in Paris at the Académie Julian and the École des Beaux-Arts, bringing academic technique back to the American West. Harwood later became a central figure in Utah’s artistic community, serving as an educator and cultural leader. His work is marked by solid draftsmanship and a quiet attentiveness to everyday subjects rendered with dignity and warmth.
