Artwork
Selling Fish
Selling Fish is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist George Morland. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.
About this work
Overview
Selling Fish is a painting by George Morland, executed in oil paint in 1798. It depicts a tranquil scene of a transaction between a woman and a man on horseback.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a woman, dressed in a white apron, offering a large fish to a man on horseback, accompanied by a dog. The serene atmosphere and simple composition suggest a focus on everyday rural life.
Technique & Style
The painting features a soft, muted color palette and a use of chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark creating a sense of volume. The textured landscape and rustic scene are characteristic of Morland's style, influenced by Dutch art.
History & Provenance
George Morland was a prolific painter known for his rustic scenes, despite a tumultuous personal life. His work was frequently reproduced in prints, although he did not benefit financially to the same extent as his publishers.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Morland (26 June 1763 – 29 October 1804) was an English painter. His early work was influenced by Francis Wheatley, but after the 1790s he came into his own style. His best compositions focus on rustic scenes:…
