Richard Westall - Boy Mending the Net

The subject can be defined as a genre scene, that is, the depiction of an episode of everyday life that, apparently, lacks any significant element. These types of domestic subjects were long considered minor and only began to spread in Western art starting in the 17th century. Only with the development of 19th-century realism did everyday subjects become considered as important as historical or religious ones.

The etching's artist displays remarkable drawing technique. The scene has been placed within a coherent spatial box, in which the more distant elements in the background gently fade into the atmosphere. The artist's skill in reproducing even the smallest details (in the physiognomy, clothing, and accessories) is remarkable. The final result is a composition of refined miniature precision.

Richard Westall was an English painter originally from Reepham, born in 1765 and died in 1836. He was primarily a portraitist and illustrator of historical and literary episodes. He was well known for his portraits of Byron and as Queen Victoria's teacher. Westall was very prolific in illustrating the works of famous writers such as Walter Scott, Oliver Goldsmith, William Cowper, and Thomas Gray. He also illustrated two editions of the works of Shakespeare and Milton and several editions of the Bible.

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