About this artwork
Editor: Here we have Thomas Barker of Bath’s “Landscape with Figures and Sheep.” The somber sky really catches my eye. What do you see in the composition that speaks to you? Curator: Consider the tonal contrasts. Barker’s orchestration of light and shadow—how does that impact the narrative? Note the strategic placement of figures and animals. Editor: It almost feels unbalanced, with so much happening on the right side. Curator: Indeed. Observe how the artist uses the strong diagonal of the rock formation on the right to guide the viewer’s eye through the landscape. And the arrangement of the figures—how do they interact with the overall structure? Editor: I see that now. It’s all connected. Curator: Precisely. Barker manipulates the formal elements to create a dynamic interplay of form and content. Editor: I've learned to appreciate the composition and how it enhances the story.
Landscape with Figures and Sheep
c. 1815
Artwork details
- Dimensions
- support: 813 x 1130 mm frame: 1140 x 1468 x 137 mm
- Location
- Tate Collections
- Copyright
- CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Comments
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/barker-landscape-with-figures-and-sheep-n01306
Thomas Barker was known for copying and imitating the work of Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788). Here, Barker has followed Gainsborough in his choice of subject, with a peasant family travelling through the landscape. Such images referred to contemporary debates about the changing rural economy, and its influence on peasant life. Gallery label, May 2007
About this artwork
Editor: Here we have Thomas Barker of Bath’s “Landscape with Figures and Sheep.” The somber sky really catches my eye. What do you see in the composition that speaks to you? Curator: Consider the tonal contrasts. Barker’s orchestration of light and shadow—how does that impact the narrative? Note the strategic placement of figures and animals. Editor: It almost feels unbalanced, with so much happening on the right side. Curator: Indeed. Observe how the artist uses the strong diagonal of the rock formation on the right to guide the viewer’s eye through the landscape. And the arrangement of the figures—how do they interact with the overall structure? Editor: I see that now. It’s all connected. Curator: Precisely. Barker manipulates the formal elements to create a dynamic interplay of form and content. Editor: I've learned to appreciate the composition and how it enhances the story.
Comments
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/barker-landscape-with-figures-and-sheep-n01306
Thomas Barker was known for copying and imitating the work of Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788). Here, Barker has followed Gainsborough in his choice of subject, with a peasant family travelling through the landscape. Such images referred to contemporary debates about the changing rural economy, and its influence on peasant life. Gallery label, May 2007
