oil on canvas

Brown was inspired to paint 'Work' by the sight of navvies
digging a drain in Heath Street, Hampstead, near where he lived.

The theme of the picture is the value of work in society.
Brown paints the scene as a celebration of the heroic
modern worker, surrounded by various other members of
society. These include the poor flower seller on the
left who has 'never been taught to work' and the wealthy gentleman
on horseback and his daughter who have no need to work.

Brown's ideas were heavily influenced by the writings of
Thomas Carlyle, seen on the right in the top hat with the preacher
F.D. Maurice. Together these two men represent the 'brainworkers'.
'Birmingham Art Gallery'