Humor, Heart, and a Little Barnyard Wit
This playful and unexpected painting by Merrill Coffin reveals a side of the artist that often surprises viewers—his sharp sense of humor.
At first glance, the scene appears traditional: a white hen settled calmly on a nest of straw, rendered with Coffin’s familiar attention to texture and quiet presence. But then your eye moves right, and the painting takes a turn. Beside the hen sits a cracked egg—revealing not a chick, but a wide-eyed, cartoon-like character peering out at the world. Beneath it, a small hand-lettered sign reads: “Hi Mom — Just Call Me ‘Ang’.”
The contrast is delightful. Coffin juxtaposes realism and whimsy, grounding the hen in a believable form while allowing the “egg” to become something entirely imaginative. The humor is gentle rather than loud, clever without being forced. It feels like a private joke shared between artist and viewer—one that rewards close looking.
What makes the piece especially compelling is that the hen remains utterly unfazed. She sits patiently, maternal and steady, as though this odd outcome is perfectly acceptable. The painting becomes less about surprise and more about acceptance—of difference, of humor, of life’s unexpected results.
This work stands as a reminder that Merrill Coffin was not limited to landscapes and wildlife alone. He was equally capable of wit, warmth, and visual storytelling that leaned into joy. It’s a painting that makes people stop, smile, and lean in closer—often laughing out loud once they read the sign.
Unusual, charming, and unmistakably human, this piece shows that even within a quiet rural tradition, there’s always room for humor.
If you happen to be the possessor of this artwork, we would greatly appreciate your commenting below. Unfortunately, we don’t possess any information about this particular piece; the title was created based on the subject matter.
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