Mahonri M. Young (1877-1957), Coasting, 1906, oil on canvas board, 13 3/4 x 20 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, purchase/gift of the Mahonri M. Young Estate, 1959.
Today is Universal Children's Day! Coasting-sledding downhill on snow or ice-was a popular winter activity in the early 20th century. All ages played together, some on small sleds and others on big double runners like the large sled Mahonri Young pictures in this energetic painting. Recently returned from study in Paris, in the winter of 1905-1906, Young spent his time making sketches in and around Salt Lake City. He captured this scene on a cold winter evening when frozen ruts had been made in a steeply inclined street. His quick brush strokes and minimal detail evoke the speed of the fast-moving sled.