Working and Shirking- England Expects Every Man Will Do His Duty. Marcus Stone (1840-1921)

The composition presents a rural scene imbued with a sense of societal tension and patriotic fervor. Here we observe a landscape divided into distinct zones, each populated by figures engaged in different activities that speak to the eras social dynamics.
In the foreground, a family is gathered around what appears to be a meager meal. The father sits with his head resting on his hand, conveying weariness or perhaps resignation. A young woman and children are present, their expressions suggesting hardship and dependence. This group occupies a lower plane within the composition, visually emphasizing their position at the margins of society.
Ascending from this foreground is an embankment upon which several men labor. They are engaged in what seems to be quarrying or mining work, their postures indicating strenuous effort. Further up the slope, a small cluster of figures – men, women, and children – are positioned on a raised area, seemingly observing the laborers below. This arrangement suggests a hierarchical structure within the community, with some distanced from the physical toil while others perform it.
To the right of the scene stands a soldier in a distinctive red uniform. He is depicted as upright and alert, his gaze directed towards the distance. His presence introduces an element of military authority and national duty into this otherwise domestic setting. The inclusion of a group of people – likely women and children – watching him from afar reinforces the idea of societal expectation and the call to service during a time of conflict.
The artist’s use of light contributes significantly to the paintings narrative. Sunlight illuminates the working figures, highlighting their labor and suggesting a sense of purpose or obligation. The background is rendered in softer tones, creating depth and emphasizing the distance between the viewer and the scenes central action.
Subtly, the work explores themes of class disparity, duty, and national identity. It seems to question the burden placed upon the working classes while simultaneously promoting a sense of collective responsibility during times of crisis. The juxtaposition of poverty and labor with military presence suggests an underlying commentary on the social contract and the sacrifices expected from individuals in service of the nation.