1785, Thomas Gainsborough, The Cottage Girl -- National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin)
From the museum label: In his later career, Gainsborough was renowned for so called 'fancy pictures' - imaginary depictions of rural figures in idealised landscapes. Such works were partly inspired by early romantic poetry and the picturesque landscaping of country estates. Although a romantic image, hardship and poverty is alluded to by the child's forlorn expression, torn clothes and broken pitcher, brought in order to take water from the stream.
1785, Thomas Gainsborough, The Cottage Girl -- National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin)
From the museum label: In his later career, Gainsborough was renowned for so called 'fancy pictures' - imaginary depictions of rural figures in idealised landscapes. Such works were partly inspired by early romantic poetry and the picturesque landscaping of country estates. Although a romantic image, hardship and poverty is alluded to by the child's forlorn expression, torn clothes and broken pitcher, brought in order to take water from the stream.