A Flock of Sheep c. 1880 - 1897

William Charles Estall created 'A Flock of Sheep' using oil on canvas. Estall applied paint with visible brushstrokes, which suggests a direct engagement with the material, capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. The material qualities of oil paint, its viscosity and luminosity, allow Estall to create a textured surface that evokes the natural world. The scene appears to be pastoral and picturesque, yet beneath the surface lies a connection to broader social and economic issues. Sheep farming was integral to rural economies, providing wool for the textile industry and meat for consumption. The painting hints at the labor involved in animal husbandry, a life bound to the agricultural cycles. Estall elevates a humble subject to the realm of fine art, blurring the lines between traditional categories and reminding us of the importance of the relationship between art and everyday life.