Study of a Drayman 

James Ward’s “Study of a Drayman” is a pencil sketch that offers a glimpse into the laboring classes of 19th century England. The drayman, a worker who delivers beer from breweries, is captured mid-action, hauling a heavy load, evidenced by his grip on the rope and strained expression. Ward, known for his paintings of animals, here turns his attention to the working man, though the inclusion of a horse emblem on the drayman’s apron subtly connects to the artist’s wider interests. England at this time was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The breweries relied on the labor of both men and horses to distribute their products. Ward’s sketch acknowledges the role of working class individuals in the economic landscape of his era. Understanding the social context of Ward’s “Study of a Drayman” requires us to delve into the archives. By researching the economic conditions of the time and studying other representations of labor, we can better appreciate the significance of this seemingly simple sketch.