'In the years after 1895 Clausen began three long series of farmyard, harvester and barn interior pictures - themes deisgned to demonstrate the cohesion of what he considered an ideal social micocrosm. In the field, groups of figures moved in unison; in ancient barns workers processed the grain that provided 'our daily bread'; while in farms and stack-yards, the entire configuration of cottages, barns, livestock came together in a unified whole, signifying the ancient values of good husbandry.' (K. McConkey, George Clausen and the Picture of English Rural Life, Edinburgh, 2012, p. 124.)
This pastel, and the related oil, (1898, Private Collection) are early examples of Clausen's farmyard scenes. Both versions are based on sketchbook studies of farm buildings near 'Bishops' house, Widdington.
We are grateful to Professor Kenneth McConkey for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.