At the watering trough Wouterus Verschuur (1812-1874)

The composition presents a rural scene centered around two draft horses and their handlers at a watering trough. The artist has arranged the figures within a loosely defined courtyard setting, delineated by a weathered stone wall on the left and a low-slung roof structure overhead. A backdrop of foliage suggests an open field beyond.
Here we see a man in a red waistcoat and green trousers guiding a large, white horse towards the trough. His posture conveys effort; he leans into the animal’s pull, his grip firm on the rope. Adjacent to him stands another figure, clad in darker attire, leading a chestnut-colored horse. The second horse appears more docile, its head lowered as it approaches the water source.
A small dog, positioned between the horses and the man in red, adds a touch of domesticity to the otherwise utilitarian scene. Its posture suggests alertness and engagement with the activity unfolding around it. A bucket sits near the trough, indicating the routine nature of this task. In the distance, two more figures are visible on what appears to be a slight rise, observing the proceedings.
The lighting is uneven, creating areas of deep shadow that contrast with patches of bright illumination. This technique emphasizes the muscularity of the horses and the physical labor involved in their work. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, grays – which reinforce the painting’s depiction of rural life.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a hierarchy within the group; the man in red seems to be the primary handler, while the other figure assists. The presence of the distant observers hints at a community dynamic, where work is both individual and communal. The overall impression conveyed is one of quiet industry and the enduring connection between humans and animals in an agricultural setting. There’s a sense of cyclical routine embedded within the scene – a daily ritual performed with a certain stoicism.