Hoefsmid in landschap 1741 - 1820

Abraham Delfos created this watercolor and ink drawing of a farrier in a landscape sometime in the late 18th century. Note the materiality of the work, the way the ink delicately outlines the figures, while watercolor washes create subtle gradations of tone, describing the figures and expansive landscape. The scene depicts a farrier at work, shoeing a horse, while two figures, perhaps the horse's owners, look on with a mixture of curiosity and concern. The farrier's trade represents the vital role of skilled labor in 18th-century society, especially considering the importance of horses for transportation and agriculture. The drawing offers a glimpse into the daily life and economic activities of the time, underscoring the labor involved in maintaining essential infrastructure. By focusing on the artistry and craftsmanship embedded in what we might see as a simple scene, Delfos's drawing reminds us that even everyday life is filled with significance, skill, and creativity.