Plough Ox and Mule with Fellah
1888
oil
From the collection of Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
1888
oil
From the collection of Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
This painting shows a man in a desert-like setting, dressed in a long robe and turban, guiding two animals - an ox and a mule - that are yoked together and pulling a plough. The scene is set against a backdrop of large rocks and a blue sky with clouds. The man's attire and the animals suggest a rural or agricultural setting, possibly in a Middle Eastern or North African context. The use of earthy tones and the depiction of everyday life give the painting a sense of realism and authenticity. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the works of Charles Verlat.
