Artwork
The Broken Plough
The Broken Plough is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Robert Hills. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Broken Plough is a watercolour painting depicting a rural scene with a broken plow and figures in a field.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a broken plow, three horses, two standing men, and a seated figure, accompanied by a dog. The stillness and muted colours suggest a pause in labour, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
The artist employed soft, hazy brushstrokes and a muted palette of browns, greens, and pale sky tones to convey a serene atmosphere.
Context
This work is associated with the Romanticism movement, which often emphasized the emotional and the natural world.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Hills (26 June 1769 – 14 May 1844) was an English painter and etcher. Hills was born in Islington. He initially studied under John Alexander Gresse, then enrolled at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1788. He…
