Winslow Homer (1836-1910),'May-Day in the Country (Harper’s Weekly),' 1859, wood engraving, 9 1/18 x 13 ¾ inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, purchase/gift of Mahonri M. Young Estate, 1959.
As we approach the May-Day activities from the lower left, three young boys are full of vigor and exuberance. One has a bow but not an arrow—another distributes posies to a grand lady riding side saddle (as one does in such scenarios) and the third seems unaware that at least one of his songbirds has flown the coop. It now contains only a single warbler. A gentleman rider tries to capture her missing bird, and couples may be pairing off. The heroic Captain Audubon spies the Belmont sign, perhaps reminding him that he has a roll to play.
Ah, yes, the lusty month of May. The trees host the Belmont.