image 164 National Museum of Women in the Arts

The canvas presents a pastoral scene centered around agricultural labor. Here we observe a team of oxen pulling a plow across freshly turned earth. A figure, presumably a farmer or driver, stands atop the lead ox, guiding the animals with a long pole. The composition is dominated by the expansive field and the clear blue sky punctuated by scattered clouds.
The artist has rendered the landscape with a meticulous attention to detail; the texture of the soil is palpable, and the light reflects off the oxen’s coats in varying degrees. The color palette leans towards earthy tones – browns and greens – contrasted against the vibrancy of the sky. This contrast contributes to a sense of depth and spaciousness within the scene.
Beyond the literal depiction of agricultural work, the painting seems to explore themes of human connection with nature and the rhythms of rural life. The oxen, rendered with considerable realism, are not merely tools but active participants in this process, their presence suggesting a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals.
The figure atop the lead ox appears small against the vastness of the landscape, hinting at humanity’s place within a larger natural order. There is an inherent stillness to the scene; it conveys a sense of quiet industry and enduring tradition. The absence of human figures beyond the driver suggests a focus on the labor itself rather than individual personalities or narratives.
The painting evokes a feeling of tranquility and timelessness, presenting a glimpse into a world where work is intertwined with the natural environment and performed in harmony with animal power.