The Sower 1910

"The Sower" (1910) by Danish artist L.A. Ring (1854-1933) depicts a solitary farmer scattering seeds across a freshly tilled field. The painting, now housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst, is a prime example of Ring's realistic style, known for its intimate portrayal of rural life. The composition emphasizes the figure of the sower, a symbol of hard work and hope, against the backdrop of a simple farmhouse, creating a poignant and timeless image of agricultural labor. Ring's skillful use of light and shadow, particularly the way the sower is illuminated against the overcast sky, adds depth and drama to the scene.