The artwork, titled “Gipsies on Dulwich Common,” was created by David Cox in 1808. It belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is categorized as a genre painting.
The artwork depicts a serene outdoor scene situated on Dulwich Common. It illustrates a group of people, likely Romani, engaged in their daily activities amidst a verdant landscape. Central to the composition are two large, makeshift tents crafted from wooden frames and covered in fabric. Inside and around these tents, several individuals can be observed, with some sitting and others standing, seemingly engaged in conversation or domestic chores. In the background, the lush greenery and distant trees frame the scene, providing a sense of tranquillity and isolation. The rendering of light and shadow, along with the pastoral setting, reflects the artist’s Romanticism influences, emphasizing the beauty and simplicity of rural life.