Who painted Labourers?

Labourers was painted by George Stubbs in 1789.

Where can I see Labourers?

Labourers is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Labourers?

Labourers is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Labourers

George Stubbs , 1789

Labourers is an ink print by the Romanticist artist George Stubbs. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Labourers is a mezzotint print created by George Stubbs in 1789, depicting a scene of four men working with a horse-drawn cart, accompanied by a dog, set against a backdrop of tall trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Subject & Meaning

The print showcases Stubbs' characteristic focus on animal subjects, here integrated into a everyday labour scene, highlighting his ability to capture the interplay between humans, animals, and their environment.

Technique & Style

Employing mezzotint, Stubbs achieved a high level of shading and depth, utilizing chiaroscuro to create realistic, solid forms, evident in the nuanced lighting on the figures' faces, clothes, and the horses.

History & Provenance

Created in 1789, Labourers reflects Stubbs' self-taught, independent approach, diverging from his contemporaries, with the print's provenance and current location not specified in available records.

Context

While Stubbs also produced history paintings, Labourers aligns with his predominant and influential work in animal depictions, including horses, dogs, and other species, rooted in his detailed anatomical studies.

Legacy

Labourers contributes to Stubbs' lasting influence on animal representation in art, with his works, particularly those featuring horses and dogs, leaving a mark on subsequent artistic depictions of animals.