Men Shoeing a Horse

Walter Shirlaw

1801

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

About this work

This sketch shows a rough, sketchy scene of daily life. A man bends over a horse, holding its hoof while another person—maybe a child—stands nearby. A cow stands in the background, and three dogs lounge on the ground. The drawing looks quick and loose, like it was done fast. The artist focused on simple, everyday moments instead of polished details. This style fits with how people lived and worked long ago. Next, check out Realism to see more art that shows life as it really was.