Plowing 

Carl Larsson created this watercolor painting, titled "Plowing," using traditional artist materials. The hazy wash of pigment allows a direct view into rural life. Larsson emphasizes the work and toil of agricultural labor, celebrating the skill and strength of man and animal working together. The rough texture of the land is juxtaposed by the soft quality of the watercolor, highlighting the cultural significance and artistic skill required to portray such a scene with a medium generally associated with leisure. The painting celebrates traditional labor practices, which were increasingly threatened by industrialization at the time. Larsson suggests an idealized view of rural life and Swedish culture, where craftsmanship and hard work were intertwined. This painting is a testament to the value of labor, in both the field and the studio, and prompts us to reconsider distinctions between fine art and craft.