George Hitchcock working in his garden in Egmond 1891 - 1895

James Jebusa Shannon captured this moment of George Hitchcock working in his garden in Egmond with oil on canvas. Shannon’s application of paint is critical here; the work's material and processes are vital to its appearance. Notice how the brushstrokes, thick and visible, give texture to the scene, almost mimicking the density of the garden itself. The impasto technique, where paint is laid on thickly, adds a tactile quality, bringing the scene to life. This work's social significance lies in its representation of labor; here we see the labor of artistic creation. Hitchcock is not merely observing, but actively engaging with his environment. This depiction challenges the traditional view of artists as detached observers, instead presenting them as workers, immersed in the physical act of creation. Ultimately, understanding the materials and making of this artwork allows us to appreciate the labor involved, blurring the lines between fine art and the everyday act of working.