William Redmore Bigg RA, Cottagers

Cottagers, 1814

William Redmore Bigg RA (January 1755 - 1828)

RA Collection: Art

Bigg entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1778. He also studied under Edward Penny, RA (1755–1828), who probably encouraged Bigg to pursue his choice of subject matter of conversation pieces and genre themes, which often included an improving message. His work was very popular in the late 18th Century and was often reproduced in coloured engravings.

Bigg’s popularity was probably due to the reassuring and pleasing view he presented of peasant life. The inhabitants of the ancient cottage in Cottagers are depicted as virtuous and productive. Evidence of their hard work is demonstrated by the various produce included, such as the eggs and cabbage by the door. Although the cottage is simple the man also has time to improve its appearance by tying up the roses by the door.

Object details

Title
Cottagers
Artist/designer
William Redmore Bigg RA (January 1755 - 1828)
Date
1814
Object type
Painting
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions

769 mm x 922 mm x 18 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
03/582
Acquisition
Diploma Work given by William Redmore Bigg RA accepted 1814

Associated works of art

1 results

return to start
back

Start exploring the RA Collection

read more
  • Explore art works, paint-smeared palettes, scribbled letters and more...
  • Artists and architects have run the RA for 250 years.
    Our Collection is a record of them.
Start exploring