Welsh Shepherds 1841

David Cox likely painted "Welsh Shepherds" with oil on canvas, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This loose, expressive painting foregrounds the materiality of the paint itself. Note how Cox applied it in thick, gestural strokes, particularly in the landscape, using earth tones of brown and ochre to evoke the rugged terrain. The brushwork animates the scene, giving a sense of movement to the sheep and the shepherds. It reflects a direct engagement with the working class, and the realities of labor in the Welsh countryside. These are not idealized shepherds of a pastoral fantasy, but workers who spend their days outdoors, managing their flock. Cox’s use of oil paint, applied with such freedom, speaks to a broader shift in artistic practice. The emphasis on the artist's individual expression elevates the status of painting beyond mere representation. By focusing on the materiality and process of the painting, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which art reflects and engages with broader social and economic forces.