The painting depicts a mob of thirsty sheep stampeding towards a dam.

A drover on horseback is attempting to turn the mob before they drown or crush each other in their desire to drink.

[1] The painting, an "icon of Australian art", is part of a series of works by Roberts that "captures what was an emerging spirit of national identity.

[2] The painting depicts a time of drought, with little grass and the soil kicked up as dust.

[1] The work itself is a reflection on the pioneering days of the pastoral industry, which were coming to an end by the 1890s.