Cow and Its Keeper (La Vache et sa gardienne)
1860
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1860
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image is a sketch of a cow and its keeper. The cow is in the center, facing left, with its head down. The keeper is on the left, facing the cow, with a long dress and a head covering. The background is a light brown color with some darker lines and shapes, possibly representing hills or trees. The drawing is done in a loose, expressive style, with bold lines and minimal detail. The focus is on the relationship between the cow and its keeper, rather than on precise realism. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume in the image. You might want to learn more about the technique of chiaroscuro.