Introduction to Ford Madox Brown and His Artistic Focus
Ford Madox Brown (1821–1893) was aligned with Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics but is best remembered for using his art to confront social problems in Victorian England. He sought to provoke discussion on pressing issues; works like The Last of England addressed migration, and critics have likened his moral satire to that of William Hogarth.
Overview of "Work" and Its Significance
"Work" is Brown’s most celebrated painting. Set in Hampstead, the composition functions as a deliberate social study rather than a mere exercise in beauty or technique. The principal version, now in Manchester, was finished in 1865 after thirteen years of effort. An earlier, smaller version from 1863 is held in Birmingham.
Historical Context and Social Background
The painting was made against the backdrop of the mid-19th century Industrial Revolution. Rapid urban growth and factory employment reshaped British life, elevating a growing working class that began to demand recognition and political rights, including suffrage.
Brown's Sympathies and Influences
Brown sympathized strongly with that emer...