Landscape with Cattle by a Cottage

late 1770s

Thomas Gainsborough

Associated Names
Thomas Gainsborough

Artist, British, 1727 - 1788

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.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Collection of the artist; Miss Gainsborough, by inheritance; William Esdaile, London, 1799(Lugt 2617). (Davis and Langdale Company, Inc., New York); Mr. and Mrs. Sanford I Feld, New Jersey; partial gift to NGA, 2005.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2008

  • Medieval to Modern: Recent Acquisitions of Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2008, no. 75.

Inscriptions

verso, by William Esdaile: Bought by me at a private sale / at Miss Gainsboro's 1799 P45 N63x/WE

Watermarks

AMSTERDAM

Wikidata ID

Q64633213

You may be interested in

Loading Results