Artwork
The Reckoning: A Farmer Paying the Ostler and Pot-Boy of an Inn
The Reckoning: A Farmer Paying the Ostler and Pot-Boy of an Inn is an oil painting by George Morland. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Reckoning: A Farmer Paying the Ostler and Pot-Boy of an Inn is an oil painting created by George Morland in 1800. It depicts a scene inside a stable with several figures and animals.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a farmer settling a bill with an ostler and a pot-boy, surrounded by a white horse, three dogs, and other rustic elements. The casual atmosphere suggests a moment of everyday rural life.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by earthy tones with touches of brighter whites and browns, reflecting Morland's affinity for textured landscapes and rustic scenes, influenced by the Dutch Golden Age.
Context
Morland's oeuvre often featured rural themes, including farms and gypsies, and his paintings were frequently reproduced as prints, although he did not always benefit financially from their popularity.
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:…
