Ploughing, Eton c. 19th century

Curator: This is "Ploughing, Eton" by Joseph Mallord William Turner. Editor: It's stark, almost skeletal. The sketch-like quality gives it a raw, immediate feel. Curator: Turner made this etching during his time at Eton College. It depicts agricultural labor on the grounds, with the college buildings faintly visible in the background. It shows the reality behind the institution. Editor: I'm drawn to the lines themselves. The immediacy of the etching process really highlights the physical effort involved in ploughing. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the labor. Curator: Absolutely. Turner, born in 1775, was deeply aware of the societal shifts happening during his time, and this piece definitely reflects those realities in the shadows of prestige. Editor: It makes you think about what that land yielded, and who benefited from the work depicted here. A simple image holds so much about labor. Curator: Indeed, and seeing it in the Harvard Art Museums brings another layer to its story. Editor: It’s incredible how a work of art can reveal layers of production and history with just a few lines.