Reiter mit Hund bei einer Tränke, rechts am Ziehbrunnen vor einem Haus umarmt ein Mann ein Mädchen 1773

John Webber made this watercolor, "Reiter mit Hund bei einer Tränke," using paper, a quill, and washes of color. Notice how the thinness of the washes allow the paper to show through. This economical technique speaks to a broader culture of efficiency. Webber was the son of a sculptor, so you might expect him to work in three dimensions, but instead, he chose the swift art of watercolor. The transparency and fluidity of the washes, combined with the precision of the quill, give the scene a sense of immediacy. This effect is enhanced by the subject matter: everyday life. The dog drinks, a rider gestures, and a couple embraces near a well. It is an image of informal interactions, seemingly captured in a single moment. The unpretentious materials and direct approach democratize the image, bringing art closer to the rhythms of common life. This choice challenges the traditional hierarchy that favored grand historical paintings over scenes of daily life.