Old Major and Squealer Print

This painting forms part of Ros Koch's series called "Beasts of England”. The name of the series is inspired by a song in George Orwell’s book, Animal Farm. It is both a battle cry for the rebellion on Manor Farm and an anthem that helps the animals keep the spirit of the rebellion alive in their hearts. Ros was intrigued by the song as, without context, its title can be construed as somewhat derogatory. However, the song is important because it is what unites the animals in the beginning of the book and it is a symbol of change for them. An aged prize Middle White Boar provides the inspiration that fuels the rebellion. He is an allegorical combination of Karl Marx, one of the creators of communism, and Vladimir Lenin the communist leader of the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet nation, in that he draws up the principles of the revolution. Why the use of black ink on paper for the “Beasts of England” series? For centuries, writers and artists have used ink on paper - whether in print format or pre-technology - to demonstrate their acute and often indignant observations of social injustice, inequality and the violence of war. By using a brush to carry the ink, Ros echoes the simplicity of the life of the animals on the farm… prior to the industrial revolution when animals started to be replaced by machinery.

Print:Giclee on Fine Art Paper

Size:10 W x 8 H x 0.1 D in

Size with Frame:15.25 W x 13.25 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.