Who painted The Ploughman and his Horse?

The Ploughman and his Horse was painted by Charles Meryon in 1854.

Where can I see The Ploughman and his Horse?

The Ploughman and his Horse is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Ploughman and his Horse?

The Ploughman and his Horse is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Ploughman and his Horse

Charles Meryon , 1854

The Ploughman and his Horse is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Meryon. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Ploughman and his Horse is an 1854 etching by Charles Meryon, a prominent French etcher known for his Gothic-infused Parisian scenes. This work deviates from his typical urban focus, instead portraying a rural labor scene.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a weary horse and a thin, bent ploughman in a field, emphasizing the hardships of manual labor. Incorporated French text, resembling a dialogue between the two subjects, adds a layer of narrative depth to the scene.

Technique & Style

Characterized by rough, dark lines and simple shapes, the piece showcases Meryon's use of heavy ink to convey exhaustion and labor. This approach aligns with Realist tendencies, prioritizing the depiction of everyday life over idealized scenes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1854 by Charles Meryon, who worked predominantly in etching due to colour blindness. Meryon's life was marked by personal struggles, including mental illness, leading to his death in an asylum in 1868.

Context

While Meryon is highly regarded in France as the most significant 19th-century etcher, his work remains less recognized in the English-speaking world. This piece reflects his ability to capture diverse subjects beyond his signature Parisian views.

Legacy

The Ploughman and his Horse contributes to Meryon's legacy as a Realist etcher, though its rural theme sets it apart from his more celebrated urban etchings. It remains a notable example of his artistic range and thematic exploration.

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Meryon

Charles Meryon (sometimes Méryon, 23 November 1821 – 14 February 1868) was a French artist who worked almost entirely in etching, as he had colour blindness.