Who painted Two sweepers?

Two sweepers was painted by George Chinnery in 19.

Where can I see Two sweepers?

Two sweepers is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Two sweepers?

Two sweepers is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Two sweepers

George Chinnery , 19

Two sweepers is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 19 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a drawing that depicts two figures engaged in sweeping.

About this work

Overview

The work is a drawing that depicts two figures engaged in sweeping. Both are dressed in Western-style jackets and hats, and a chain links the two men together as they each hold a broom. The composition focuses on the act of cleaning, while the chain introduces a narrative element beyond the simple chore.

Subject & Meaning

The presence of the chain suggests a relationship of constraint or shared labor, hinting that the figures may be prisoners, servants, or workers bound together by duty. This detail adds a layer of social commentary to the otherwise ordinary scene, inviting viewers to consider themes of bondage, cooperation, and the mundanity of forced work.

Technique & Style

Rendered through line work, the drawing employs cross‑hatching to model form and suggest texture on the clothing, hats, and floor. The repetitive intersecting strokes create tonal variation, defining the figures and their environment without the use of color. This approach aligns with traditional drawing methods used to convey depth and volume.

Context

The attire of the men—Western jackets and hats—places the scene within a recognizable cultural setting, likely reflecting a period when such clothing was common among laborers or lower‑status workers. The simple domestic act of sweeping, combined with the visual cue of the chain, situates the piece within broader discussions of labor and social hierarchy.

Artist & collection

Artist

George Chinnery

George Chinnery (Chinese: 錢納利; 5 January 1774 – 30 May 1852) was an English painter who spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.