The image shows a rustic scene depicted from a direct point of view. The horizon is subtly indicated by lighter tones of the sky, with trees and rugged terrain defining its line. The illustration uses expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, primarily in sepia tones, giving the artwork a warm, vintage feel. A figure dressed in rustic attire is mid-stride, with a cow reclining and a horse standing with its back turned. A small animal, possibly a cat, is curled up to the right. Dark lines in the background suggest movement among the trees, adding depth and tension to the image.
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The image shows a rustic scene depicted from a direct point of view. The horizon is subtly indicated by lighter tones of the sky, with trees and rugged terrain defining its line. The illustration uses expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, primarily in sepia tones, giving the artwork a warm, vintage feel. A figure dressed in rustic attire is mid-stride, with a cow reclining and a horse standing with its back turned. A small animal, possibly a cat, is curled up to the right. Dark lines in the background suggest movement among the trees, adding depth and tension to the image.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Animals in a Stable

Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg II

Medium
red chalk on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 29.3 x 42.3 cm (11 9/16 x 16 5/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1996.128.26
Credit line
Gift of the Christian Humann Foundation
Time span
1726 to 1750
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • mammal
  • animal
Provenance

Louis Giraud; Cafmeyer; (Galerie Cailleux, Paris) (Lugt undesc); purchased by Christian Humann; The Christian Humann Foundation, Paris, 1981 (estate sale, New York, Sotheby's, 30 April 1982, lot 64 (not sold)); gift to NGA, 1996.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right in graphite: 34 47fle (?); by later hand, center verso in graphite: Loutherbourg

Watermarks

indecipherable

NGA object ID 91241. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.