Ewe, or A Grazing Sheep

model second half 19th century

Rosa Bonheur

Associated Names
Rosa Bonheur

Sculptor, French, 1822 - 1899

The sculpture depicts a sheep grazing with its head bent downwards towards the ground. It showcases detailed features like the textured wool and the distinctive shape of the animal's head. Crafted from a dark bronze or metallic material, the sculpture has a subtle sheen. The material's rich texture and color highlight the sheep's body contours, giving it a lifelike appearance. The sculpture is placed on an oval base that mimics the texture of the ground, enhancing the naturalistic representation of the sheep.

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Artwork overview

More About this Artwork

In this black and white photograph, a woman wearing a black dress leans toward an arched mirror set into a wall, so we see the woman twice in this double portrait. We are situated slightly below her so we look up at the woman, who gazes down and to our right. The surface of the wall is smooth but lightly textured, like adobe. Trees reflected in the mirror indicate that this is outdoors. The woman in front of us takes up the left half of the composition. She faces our right in profile and leans to our right, at the far edge of the mirror. Her dark hair is pulled up in ribbon entwined braids. She wears long, chandelier style earrings and her high-necked black dress has puffed, lace sleeves. We see her face straight on in the mirror’s reflection. The woman’s distinctive brows knit together over her rounded nose.

Article:  15 LGBTQ+ Artists to Know

Discover the lives of 15 LGBTQ+ artists and their art, much of which you can see at the National Gallery.

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Paul Mellon [1907-1999], Upperville, Virginia; bequest 1999 to NGA, with life interest to Mrs. Mellon; life interest released 2006.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on front of integral base, between sheep’s muzzle and left front hoof: Rosa B

Wikidata ID

Q63864428

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