The Charcoal Burners 1853

"The Charcoal Burners" (1853) by Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899), depicts two oxen pulling a cart through a woodland setting. The painting captures the labor of charcoal production, a crucial industry at the time. Bonheur, known for her detailed animal portrayals, meticulously renders the oxen's anatomy and their weary expressions. The contrast between the oxen's light color and the darker woodland adds depth and realism to the scene. The composition emphasizes the hard work of rural life and the importance of animals in the agricultural economy.