Dead Hare 

James Ward made this still life, ‘Dead Hare’, during a period of significant social and economic change in England. Ward, as an artist, occupied a unique position, navigating the spheres of both rural and urban life. The painting depicts a dead hare, its fur still soft, hanging alongside a hunting rifle. It’s a stark image that speaks to the culture of hunting and land ownership prevalent in the English countryside. The work invites us to reflect on the class dynamics inherent in the act of hunting – a privilege often reserved for the landed gentry. Ward’s intimate portrayal of the hare evokes a sense of empathy, challenging the traditional glorification of hunting. The limp body, the lifeless eyes – these details force a confrontation with mortality. In capturing this moment, Ward doesn’t just present a trophy, but also a creature stripped of its vitality. It's a poignant reminder of the cost of human dominance over the natural world, a theme that continues to resonate today.