The artwork, titled “A Boy and a Girl with a Collie Dog Standing by a Stream (Study for ‘The Covenanters’ Baptism’)” by George Harvey, was created in 1830. It is associated with the Romanticism movement and is classified as a sketch and study.
This piece depicts two young children, a boy and a girl, standing at the edge of a stream. They are accompanied by a Collie dog, which appears to be investigating the water. The boy, dressed in dark attire, stands closely behind the girl, who is clad in a simple dress with short sleeves. The children are barefoot, emphasizing a connection to nature. The girl leans slightly forward with a hand resting on her knee, while the boy gazes outward, adding depth and emotional nuance to the composition. The artist’s brushstrokes and use of light effectively capture a moment of innocence and curiosity, characteristic of the Romantic style. The sketch serves as a preparatory study for a larger, more detailed work, reflecting Harvey’s process in bringing his subjects to life.
