Artwork preview

Ox and Herdsman

Unidentified artist

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a vertical, sepia-toned painting on what appears to be silk or a similar material. A brown border with a green edge frames the painting on all sides. In the bottom right corner, a person rides an ox. The person wears a conical hat and holds a stick. The ox is dark brown with lighter shading on its underbelly and face. It faces left, and its head is lowered. To the left of the ox, a tree branch with leaves extends from the top left towards the center. The background of the painting features a light brown color with darker brown splotches and lines suggesting foliage or terrain. On the right side of the painting, a column of black calligraphy runs vertically. The overall scene depicts a rural or pastoral setting.

Artwork Details

Date
late 13th century
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on silk
Culture
China
Dimensions
468 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette