Thanksgiving Menu
Watercolor
WallArt
Impressionism
1905
19th Century
23.0 x 18.0 cm
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting
Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. A print can only be cut, never made bigger than the picture, so a size with a different shape loses a part of the image. We send you a digital mockup to approve before we print anything. The picture shown on this page does not show the real cut — only the mockup does.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (25 October)
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Thanksgiving Menu
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 81
A Feast for the Eyes: Exploring George Elbert Burr's Thanksgiving Menu
To gaze upon this depiction of a Thanksgiving Menu is to step directly into the warm, sepia-toned embrace of the early twentieth century. It is more than just an illustration; it is a preserved moment of domestic ritual, rendered with the delicate artistry characteristic of George Elbert Burr. The central focus, the magnificent turkey, dominates the composition, its presence suggesting abundance and the centerpiece of familial gathering. Yet, what elevates this piece beyond mere seasonal decoration is the exquisite integration of the handwritten menu beneath it. This cursive script, so elegantly penned, whispers tales of bygone eras, inviting the modern viewer to slow down and savor the implied narrative of a cherished holiday feast.
Technique and Atmosphere: The Watercolor Whisper
The medium itself contributes profoundly to the artwork's nostalgic allure. Executed in what appears to be watercolor, the technique allows Burr’s hand to achieve a breathtaking sense of atmospheric blending. The colors do not sit sharply apart; rather, they bleed into one another, creating a cohesive, almost dreamlike luminosity across the surface. This soft graduation of tone is masterful, giving the entire scene an aged patina that speaks of time passing gently. One can almost smell the faint scent of spiced cider and roasted herbs emanating from the painted pigments. The watercolor quality ensures that even in reproduction, the piece retains an ethereal lightness, perfect for infusing a room with gentle, historical grace.
Symbolism of the Harvest Table
The symbolism woven into this menu is rich and deeply resonant. The turkey itself stands as a universal emblem of gratitude and bounty—a centerpiece representing the culmination of the harvest year. Complementing this are the listed accompaniments: the tart brightness suggested by cranberry sauce, the comforting sweetness promised by various pies, and the simple ritual of coffee. These elements combine to form an allegory not just for one day, but for the enduring themes of community, sustenance, and remembrance. It speaks to the deep human need to gather, to share stories, and to acknowledge the blessings received.
A Touch of American History
Dating from 1905, this piece anchors itself firmly in the turn-of-the-century aesthetic—a period marked by both burgeoning industrial comfort and a deep reverence for traditional domestic arts. While Burr is perhaps more renowned for his desert visions, here he channels a different kind of grandeur: the quiet majesty of American tradition. For collectors and designers alike, this work offers a tangible connection to early twentieth-century decorative arts. It functions beautifully as an heirloom piece, capable of anchoring a dining room or study while whispering tales of grandmothers' gatherings and seasonal celebrations past.
Questions & Answers
In which year and which movement was "Thanksgiving Menu" made?
"Thanksgiving Menu" was created in 1905 as a work of the Impressionism movement. Date and movement anchor the artwork in art history.
What size is "Thanksgiving Menu" by George Elbert Burr in real life?
The original "Thanksgiving Menu" by George Elbert Burr measures 23 x 18 cm.
What is "Thanksgiving Menu" about?
"Thanksgiving Menu" by George Elbert Burr depicts: thanksgiving, turkey, menu, watercolor, holiday feast, vintage art, illustration.
Artist Biography
George Elbert Burr: A Desert Visionary
George Elbert Burr (1859 – 1939) stands as a singular figure in American printmaking and painting, remembered primarily for his masterful depictions of the American West’s dramatic landscapes—particularly its deserts and mountains. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Burr pursued an artistic education initially focusing on illustration before gravitating towards etching and watercolor techniques that would define his distinctive style. His work transcends mere representation; it embodies a profound sensitivity to light, texture, and atmosphere, capturing the essence of solitude and grandeur within these expansive environments.- Early Life & Education: Burr’s formative years were marked by an interest in natural history and scientific observation—influences that would permeate his artistic vision. He studied at Cincinnati Art Academy and later traveled extensively throughout Europe, absorbing the Impressionist movement's techniques and aesthetic principles.
- The Rise of Etching: Burr’s breakthrough came with etching, a medium he embraced wholeheartedly during the late Victorian era. His meticulous approach to creating prints involved painstakingly transferring images from drawings onto copper plates, utilizing acid baths to carve intricate lines that would ultimately produce stunningly detailed impressions. This painstaking process demanded patience and precision—qualities Burr possessed in abundance.
- Desert Landscapes & Stylistic Evolution: Burr’s artistic focus shifted decisively towards the American Southwest during the early 20th century. He embarked on numerous expeditions to Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California, documenting the region's geological formations and ephemeral beauty with breathtaking watercolors and drypoint etchings. His style evolved over time—characterized by a gradual simplification of forms and an increasing emphasis on tonal harmonies—reflecting his growing understanding of how light interacts with surface textures.
- Notable Achievements & Recognition: Burr’s prints gained considerable acclaim during his lifetime, securing commissions from prominent institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and earning recognition as a leading exponent of American landscape art. His works are held in collections across the nation and continue to inspire artists today.
Key Works & Artistic Style
Burr’s oeuvre comprises approximately 350 prints and drawings, showcasing his remarkable versatility as an artist. Among his most celebrated pieces include ‘Castle Schönburg, Oberwesel,’ a meticulously rendered watercolor capturing the imposing silhouette of a medieval castle against a twilight sky—a testament to his ability to convey both historical detail and emotional resonance. Similarly, ‘Untitled (Transfer Drawing for November)’ presents a starkly beautiful monochrome sketch conveying the desolate beauty of Nevada’s desert terrain. His distinctive style is marked by:- Detailed Linework: Burr's etchings are renowned for their extraordinarily fine lines—a hallmark of his technique that captures subtle nuances of form and texture.
- Tonal Harmony: Watercolor paintings demonstrate Burr’s masterful control over color palettes, achieving harmonious blends that evoke the mood and atmosphere of the landscapes he depicted.
- Emphasis on Light & Shadow: Throughout his work, Burr skillfully employed chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and shadow—to heighten visual drama and convey a sense of depth.
Legacy & Historical Significance
George Elbert Burr’s contribution to American art extends beyond the aesthetic realm; he embodies the spirit of exploration and observation that characterized the Progressive Era. His unflinching portrayal of the West—often imbued with a contemplative stillness—served as an inspiration for subsequent generations of artists seeking to capture the sublime grandeur of nature. Today, Burr's prints remain treasured artifacts of early 20th-century art history, offering viewers a glimpse into a bygone era and reaffirming the enduring power of artistic vision.George Elbert Burr
1859 - 1939
Quick Facts
- Full Name: George Elbert Burr
- Nationality: American
- Date Of Birth: 1859
- Date Of Death: 1939
- Place Of Birth: USA
- Notable Artworks:
- Castle Schönburg, Oberwesel
- Untitled (transfer drawing for November)
- Winter (No. 1)
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Western Landscapes

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
