Eric Sloane, N.A.
Untitled
23″ x 35″
Oil on Masonite

While unfortunately not titled, we know that this scene depicts an early American “saltbox” house, so referenced because of the resemblance to, well, a saltbox. In 18th and 19th century America, the saltbox was present in nearly every kitchen. Usually made of wood and with a slanting lid to make adding and removing salt easier, the saltbox did indeed resemble the shape of the “saltbox” home. Incidentally, most 18th and early 19th century American homes faced south to take maximum advantage of the winter arc of the sun,
yielding more heat and light into the house. The rear – or north facing – side of the house was sloped so that the cold northern winds would blow over the house. Few if any windows were present on the north side of these early homes.

With thanks to Wil Mauch of Weather Hill Farm. Photo used by permission, from Wil Mauch’s Aware: A Retrospective of the Life and Work of Eric Sloane.
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