Annan’s personal exploration of the Realist movement centered on an interest in working life seen honestly. The photograph of ploughing was so effectively natural that Annan was forced to explain that it was indeed calculated. The teams of oxen happened to occupy the fortunate positions they do in the picture, but it was only after watching them plough furrow after furrow that I chanced to make the exposure.[1]

"Lombardy Ploughing Team" typifies the strong British interest in idyllic landscapes, complete with farmer, trees, and animals. "Lombardy Ploughing Team" presents an idealized vision of rural life that previously had been painted by Barbizon artists and was currently promoted by members of the English arts and crafts movement. Annan avoided the mundane in this image, however, by utilizing an unorthodox crop, probably influenced by Japanese art.

His Lombardy Ploughing Team is unrivaled in force and color. The group of oxen seen from behind is superb, as is their driver, viewed from beneath the shade of the trees, where, between the foliage, the sun throws bursts of light. In the background other groups of cattle are harnessed and ploughing the land. A majestic chain of mountains rises up hazily on the horizon. It is a grandiose scene, and, by the way it has been presented on the page, a real picture.[2]