Who painted Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses?

Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses was painted by Thomas Rowlandson in 1792.

Where can I see Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses?

Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses?

Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses

Thomas Rowlandson , 1792

Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Rowlandson. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses is a drawing by Thomas Rowlandson, created in 1792 using pen, brown ink, watercolor, and graphite on laid paper. Characteristic of the artist's style, it captures a dynamic scene with expressive figures.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a dramatic moment with two powerful horses rearing up, their muscles tense, as a drover in a tricorn hat struggles to maintain control of the reins. The subject reflects Rowlandson's penchant for capturing everyday life with a potential hint of satire or observation on the challenges of animal handling.

Technique & Style

Rowlandson executed the work with quick, expressive strokes, indicative of his rapid working style. The combination of pen, brown ink, and graphite provides detailed underpinnings, while watercolor glazing adds a glossy, shining effect to the horses' coats, enhancing their vitality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1792, this piece aligns with Rowlandson's period of prolific production of illustrations for novels and humorous books, though its specific commission or publication context is not detailed here.

Context

As part of Rowlandson's oeuvre, the drawing sits within the broader context of Georgian Era art, reflecting the artist's dual role in political satire and social observation, often through robust or humorous scenes.

Legacy

While not individually highlighted as a landmark work, *Drovers with a Pair of Rearing Horses* contributes to Rowlandson's legacy as a master of capturing dynamic, everyday scenes with a touch of satire, influencing subsequent generations of caricaturists and illustrators.

Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Rowlandson

Thomas Rowlandson (; 13 July 1757 – 21 April 1827) was an English artist and caricaturist of the Georgian Era, noted for his political satire and social observation.