The Carrier Preparing to Set Out 1793

George Morland painted ‘The Carrier Preparing to Set Out’ in England, most likely toward the end of the 18th century. It depicts a rural scene of commerce, as a horse-drawn carrier prepares to transport goods, produce, and possibly passengers from a village. Morland was known for his paintings of everyday life, particularly scenes of rural labor and leisure. These paintings offer a glimpse into the social and economic realities of the time, including the important role of transport networks that connected the countryside to urban centers. The depiction of the carrier and his horse suggests the value of manual labor, the importance of animals in the economy, and the necessity of transportation in enabling commerce. The painting also reflects the romanticized view of rural life that was popular during this period, offering a vision of simple pleasures and honest toil. Further research into English economic history from the period would give more insights into the social contexts of this artwork.