A Break Away! by Tom Roberts. A drover on a horse gallops through a thick cloud of dust, attempting to steer a large flock of sheep away from a waterhole in a parched Australian landscape.

A Break Away!

Tom Roberts

1891 · Oil Paint, Canvas

An iconic Australian masterpiece capturing the raw energy and dramatic struggle of rural life in the outback.

$129

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Where it works

A substantial artwork with a strong pulse with warm gilded notes — holds its place without needing much around it.

Often works in
Living Room · Study · Office
Placement
Works well when the wall can carry a broader statement
Walls
Best with clear wall contrast
Color notes
Aged gold, Warm beige, Rich brown

About the piece

Painted in 1891 by Tom Roberts, this masterpiece is a quintessential example of Australian Impressionism. The scene depicts a frantic moment during a drought, where a drover struggles to control a 'break away'—a mob of thirsty sheep rushing headlong toward water. Roberts brilliantly captures the heat and dust of the sun-drenched landscape, using a vibrant palette and dynamic brushwork to convey the intensity of the scene.

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