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The Hireling Shepherd, 1851, (1948). Creator: William Holman Hunt
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The Hireling Shepherd, 1851, (1948). Creator: William Holman Hunt
The Hireling Shepherd, 1851, (1948). A shepherd neglects his flock and woos a young woman with a lamb on her lap. Behind them, two bloated sheep lie on the ground poisoned by the corn. The scene is rich in symbolism, including a death s-head hawkmoth in the shepherds hand, the straying sheep, the transgressing of boundaries, and the apples and wildflowers. Hunts own explanation was that the couple symbolised the pointless theological debates engaged in by Christian churchmen, while a lack of proper moral guidance caused their flock to go astray. Painting in Manchester City Art Gallery. From " The Saturday Book", Eighth Year, edited by Leonard Russell. [Hutchinson, London, 1948]
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Media ID 18776337
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The Hireling Shepherd
EDITORS COMMENTS
by William Holman Hunt is a captivating painting that tells a story through its rich symbolism. In this 19th-century masterpiece, we see a shepherd neglecting his flock as he focuses his attention on wooing a young woman who cradles a lamb in her lap. Behind them, two lifeless sheep lie on the ground, poisoned by the corn they consumed. The scene is filled with intricate details and hidden meanings. The shepherd holds a death's-head hawkmoth in his hand, symbolizing mortality and decay. The stray sheep represent the consequences of straying from moral guidance. Apples and wildflowers adorn the landscape, representing temptation and innocence respectively. Hunt himself explained that this painting was an allegory for pointless theological debates among Christian churchmen while their lack of moral guidance led their followers astray. Displayed at Manchester City Art Gallery, "The Hireling Shepherd" showcases Hunt's mastery of the Pre-Raphaelite artistic style. This artwork beautifully captures the English countryside with its lush fields and flowing stream. Through this thought-provoking image, Hunt invites viewers to reflect on themes of irresponsibility, romance, religion, and nature. It serves as a reminder of how our actions can have profound consequences not only for ourselves but also for those under our care. This print from Heritage Images allows us to appreciate every detail of this remarkable painting created by one of the prominent figures in Victorian art history - William Holman Hunt.
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