Who painted The Curlers?

The Curlers was painted by George Harvey in 1851.

Where can I see The Curlers?

The Curlers is held by National Galleries Scotland.

Artwork

The Curlers

The Curlers is an oil painting by George Harvey. It dates from 1851 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

George Harvey, a Scottish artist who later chaired the Royal Scottish Academy, painted *The Curlers* circa 1851 in oil. The work portrays a winter gathering of men on a frozen pond, engaged in the pastime of curling. It belongs to the collection of the Scottish National Gallery and exemplifies mid‑nineteenth‑century Scottish genre painting.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas captures a lively group of male curlers, bundled in dark coats and hats, some clutching wooden sticks as they glide across the ice. Their postures—leaning forward, laughing, or concentrating—convey both the camaraderie and the competitive focus of the sport, offering a glimpse into rural Scottish leisure.

Technique & Style

Harvey employs chiaroscuro to separate the dark figures from a muted sky and bare trees, creating depth and atmospheric contrast. The brushwork suggests movement, with the skaters’ bodies angled to imply forward motion. The palette of cool greys and warm earth tones aligns the piece with the realist tendencies of 19th‑century Scottish genre art.

History & Provenance

After its creation, *The Curlers* entered the holdings of the Scottish National Gallery, where it remains on view. Harvey’s later election as President of the Royal Scottish Academy underscores his standing in the Scottish art community, and the painting’s presence in a national institution reflects its recognition as a representative work of its era.