Farm Cart at Dol 1843

David Roberts made this pencil drawing of a farm cart, and we can assume that it was made on-site. The texture of the paper is visible through the drawing and adds a subtle depth to the sketch, allowing Roberts to capture a fleeting impression, with minimal means. Roberts was interested in architecture, and he traveled widely to make detailed drawings and watercolors of buildings and monuments. But here he is depicting a mode of production that reflects a very different kind of labor. This farm cart, pieced together from roughly hewn timber, stands in stark contrast to Roberts’ more familiar subject matter of cathedrals and palaces. The cart's worn texture and sturdy construction speak volumes about the daily lives of rural workers, and about the skill and ingenuity that went into even the most humble of utilitarian objects. Looking closely at the material, construction, and context of everyday objects can offer powerful insights into the lives and labor that often go unacknowledged in grand historical narratives.