Horses and Pigs in a Landscape, Windsor 1793 - 1794

Thomas Girtin made this watercolour landscape of horses and pigs in Windsor, England. It's a simple scene made with very simple means: paper, pigment, and water. Look closely, and you'll see Girtin’s skilled handling of the watercolour medium. The texture of the paper gives the image a slightly rough feel, contrasting with the soft washes of diluted pigment which define the shapes of the trees and animals. It’s a balance between control and chance, the artist gently directing the flow of the water and pigment. Watercolour was a very popular and accessible medium in the late 18th century. It democratized image-making and catered to a growing market for landscape views that could be replicated, bought, and sold. This small, unassuming sketch captures the essence of a moment, made with minimal means. It reminds us that sometimes the simplest materials and processes can yield the most evocative results. It challenges the traditional distinction between high art and craft.