Artwork

Servants at Rhagatt, Corwen, North Wales

Servants at Rhagatt, Corwen, North Wales, by John Lloyd, 1860
Servants at Rhagatt, Corwen, North Wales, by John Lloyd, 1860

Servants at Rhagatt, Corwen, North Wales is a photography by the Impressionist artist John Lloyd. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Servants at Rhagatt, Corwen, North Wales, a photograph by John Lloyd (c. 1860), captures a quiet moment of two servants in a rural Welsh setting. The image, now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, depicts a woman and a child seated on a rough stone step, their attire reflecting practicality and modesty.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph focuses on the everyday lives of two servants, a woman and a child, suggesting a portrayal of humility and daily routine. The woman's posture, with hands in her lap, and the child's closeness convey a sense of intimacy and possibly familial relationship.

Technique & Style

Characterized by the aesthetic of mid-19th century photography, the image features a somber, naturalistic tone. The use of outdoor lighting and the simplicity of the stone step setting emphasize the subjects' everyday reality. The woman's striped skirt, a common durable pattern of the time, adds a note of authenticity.

History & Provenance

Created around 1860 by John Lloyd, the photograph is attributed to Rhagatt, Corwen, in North Wales, highlighting the regional focus of the artist's work. It is currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Lloyd

John Lloyd (b. 1865) was a British artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.