Artwork
Now then, Lazy!
Now then, Lazy! is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Mahoney. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Now then, Lazy! is a watercolour work created by Mahoney in 1866, featuring a boy standing beside a large animal in a rustic setting.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a boy in dark attire observing a calm, tethered black cow within a makeshift, deteriorating shelter. Surrounding elements, such as uneven ground, rocks, weeds, and a leaning wheelbarrow, add to the humble, everyday nature of the composition. The boy's curious expression contrasts with the cow's tranquility.
Technique & Style
Characterized by loose brushstrokes, the watercolour conveys a sense of spontaneity and quick capture of the moment, imbuing the scene with a sketchy, informal feel.
History & Provenance
The work is signed by the artist and dated to 1866. Further provenance details are not provided.
Context
While stylistically distinct, the emphasis on capturing everyday life and the play of light (implied through the loose brushwork) might relate to broader artistic movements of the time, though it precedes the peak of Impressionism.
Legacy
The work's legacy is not elaborated upon in available information, suggesting it may not be widely recognized as a pivotal piece in Mahoney's oeuvre or in the broader art historical canon.
Artist & collection
