This ploughman has had to keep working until sunset. He plods home, too tired to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the countryside at twilight. The picture probably shows a ploughman from the fields around Cullercoats. Arthur Marsh visited Cullercoats regularly from 1875, and later moved there. His picture was inspired by Thomas Gray’s poem, ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’ (published 1751).

Provenance: Given by the children of T.W. Lovibond, 1923

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Arthur Hardwick Marsh (1842-1909)
Date: about 1890-1920

Image Details
Date: 31 July 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.