Painting of the Day: A German Farmer in his Cornfield, c. 1873

A Gentleman Farmer Surveying His Corn
FH Pfeiffer, c. 1873
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

I’m tickled that the Royal Collection identifies the subject of this painting as a “corpulent farmer.” I just like the word “corpulent.” And, it’s a good description for this fellow.

The painting is the work of FH Pfeiffer (presumably he was born and died, but we don’t quite know when—only that he was active around 1873). It’s one of those combination genre paintings and landscapes which were popular in the 1870s, a period during which artists liked the idea of depicting the “noble poor” as well as images of aristocrats engaged in common activities.

This “corpulent” farmer is attired in a red waistcoat and yellow breeches. He’s a bit overdressed for his work as he surveys his corn crop. He’s joined by his faithful dog who is clearly bored with the whole thing. I guess he doesn’t like being a…corn dog.

Oddly enough, this is the only photo of the piece—cropped strangely as it is.