A break away!

Tom Roberts' painting "A break away!" from 1891 captures a dramatic moment in the Australian outback. In this poignant scene, a mob of sheep is frantically rushing towards a dam, desperate for water. A drover on horseback is attempting to control the flock, ensuring they don't trample or drown each other in their thirst.

This artwork is more than just a painting; it is a piece of Australian history. Created during a time of drought, the dusty soil and sparse grass depicted in the painting symbolize the harsh conditions of that era. It reflects the struggles and resilience of the pastoral industry during the late 1800s, a period of significant change.

"A break away!" gained international acclaim when it was featured in the 1898 Exhibition of Australian Art in London. Today, this iconic piece is housed at the Art Gallery of South Australia, where it has been proudly displayed since 1899. The painting's significance is further underscored by its inclusion in the 2007 book "1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die" by Quintessence Editions Ltd.