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Landscape with Cattle by a Cottage

Thomas Gainsborough

National Gallery of Art

The image displays a rural scene with a low horizon line in the middle of the composition. The viewpoint is eye level, giving an observer the impression of standing on a grassy hill. Cows are seen grazing or standing on the uneven ground close to us, while further back an old tree leans near a pitched-roof building, possibly a farmhouse. In the distance, a group of sketch-like trees extends diagonally upward on the left side, fading into the lightly shaded sky. The drawing is done in soft charcoal or pencil, featuring broad strokes that provide texture and contrast, creating depth and volume. The color scheme is monochrome, with shades of gray and black, along with white highlights that reflect light on the cows and building, resulting in a calm visual effect.

Artwork Details

Date
late 1770s
Medium
black and white chalk over softground etching on gray prepared laid paper
Dimensions
4841 × 3672 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original