A wooded landscape with figures in the foreground and horses and pigs by a cottage

Ward initially trained as an engraver under his brother William Ward (1766-1826), and by the end of the eighteenth century was in great demand as a mezzotinter. It was around this time that he started experimenting in oils, inspired by his brother-in-law, the successful artist George Morland (1763-1804). The present work would appear stylistically to date to this period, when Ward's paintings showed the strong influence of Morland, both in subject matter and technique. He would go on to become one of the most successful animal painters of his day.