Project Description

Oil on panel

Dimensions : 33 cm x 55 cm

Signed lower right L.Voisin

dated 1948

Chemin de halage

NEIGHBOUR

the towing is a method of land traction for barges, water boats and generally river boats, which consists of making them advance along a river, of a channel, by means of a rope formerly pulled by force of arms or by horses, now by a self-propelled machine.

It requires a clear path, kept out of water, which runs closely along the bank of navigable waterways and which French speakers call a “towpath”. ; on the other bank there is generally a “counter-hauling path”. Without replacing the ecological functions of a real bank, this development still plays a certain role as a biological corridor.

The traction of boats along rivers and canals was very widespread before the invention of engines adapted to boats, the use of sails is not always possible due to the presence of tunnels, bridges or due to unfavorable winds.

There are three modes of land traction for river boats. :

• DIY hauling : the boatman and his family attached themselves to the traction rope (finesse, verdon, maillette, or old) by a harness called breastplate to pull the boat ;
• to animal traction, by horses, donkeys or mules or even oxen (in the southwest : it was mainly practiced (in France) in the center ; the animals belonged to the boatman, who accommodated them on board, or to carters, called the “long days”, who had relays, along waterways. In 1935, we still counted 1 500 boat stables in France.
• mechanical traction, by electric shunters on rails or tires, or by diesel tractors (Latin).

Other modes of travel exist (towing, pushing, locked, towing, etc.), but do not require a towpath.

Another landscape work is offered to you.