“Shoeing the Ox,” created circa 1910 by John Singer Sargent, is an oil painting on board that exemplifies the Realism art movement. The artwork, a genre painting measuring 55.88 x 71.12 cm, is housed in the Aberdeen Art Gallery in Aberdeen, UK.
The artwork depicts a dynamic and intimate scene of rural life, showing several figures actively engaged in the process of shoeing an ox. The artist masterfully captures the texture of the ox’s hide, the varied expressions, and the physical exertions of the people depicted. The composition employs a rich interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the physicality and labor-intensive nature of the task. The subdued palette and attention to detail exemplify Sargent’s skill in realism, offering a glimpse into the daily life and labor during the period.