The Ploughman Turns 1898 - 1902

Peter Hansen’s painting, "The Ploughman Turns," is executed in oil paint on canvas, a familiar medium for its time. But the way Hansen uses it gives us pause. Notice the thick, expressive brushstrokes that render the field, the trees, and the figure of the ploughman. The materiality of the paint itself becomes a key element, building texture and depth that suggests the sheer labor involved in tilling the earth. The painting isn't just about depicting a scene, it's about conveying the weight and physicality of the work. Consider how this relates to the social context of the time. Hansen was painting during a period of significant agricultural change, with increasing industrialization. By focusing on the traditional method of ploughing with horses, Hansen draws our attention to the value of manual labor, and perhaps offers a subtle commentary on the changing nature of work itself. Ultimately, the painting invites us to appreciate the skill and effort embedded in both the subject matter and the artistic process itself, blurring the lines between the act of farming and the act of painting.