Labourers

1789

George Stubbs

Associated Names
George Stubbs

Artist, British, 1724 - 1806

The image shows a rural scene with a group of young boys around a cart. A horse-drawn cart is close to us, with a horse and two boys near the front of the horse. One boy sits on the cart, leaning on a bag, as two others stand by it, one seems to be speaking animatedly. A fourth boy stands slightly behind, attending to the conversation. A sleeping dog is on the ground to the left. In the distance, dense trees are visible, dark and textured, suggesting a thick forest without a horizon. Precise brushstrokes create a realistic monochromatic image with various shades of gray. The careful use of light and dark tones gives depth and a serene atmosphere, highlighting details in the clothing of the figures and the natural surroundings.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Accession Number

    1981.14.3

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lennox-Boyd, Dixon, Clayton, no. 86, State iii/iii


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1986

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., February 1986.

Bibliography

1989

  • Lennox-Boyd, Christopher, Rob Dixon, and Timothy Clayton. George Stubbs: the Complete Engraved Works. London, 1989.

Wikidata ID

Q74036434

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