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Herdsman Crossing a River, by Francesco Casanova, chalk, 1768

Herdsman Crossing a River

Francesco Casanova

1768

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

Herdsman Crossing a River is a 1768 chalk by Francesco Casanova, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
Francesco Casanova
When & what style?
1768 · Baroque
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a serene landscape with a river flowing through it. In the foreground, a herdsman is depicted crossing the river with his flock of sheep and cattle. The herdsman is dressed in traditional attire, with a hat and a cloak, and is shown guiding his animals across the water. The background of the painting features a picturesque landscape with rolling hills and trees. The sky above is cloudy, adding to the overall sense of tranquility. The artist's use of pen, brown ink, and brown wash over black chalk creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The painting's attention to detail and use of light and shadow create a sense of realism, making the viewer feel as though they are witnessing the scene unfold. To learn more about the artist's technique, explore the world of cross-hatching.

About the artist

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