Child Playing with Ball and Dog 1791

George Morland made this drawing of a child playing with a ball and dog using graphite on paper. The strokes are light, capturing a fleeting moment of everyday life. Morland was known for his paintings of rural scenes, often romanticizing country life. This drawing, though simple in its materials, reflects that interest. Graphite, a relatively inexpensive material, allowed for quick sketches and studies, perfect for capturing the spontaneity of a child's play. The rough texture of the paper adds to the informal feel, emphasizing the immediacy of the scene. The image has a social context. Morland’s choice of subject matter – a child at play – speaks to the broader interest in domesticity and the lives of ordinary people that was emerging during this period. It reminds us that even the simplest of materials and techniques can be used to explore complex social and cultural themes.