Artwork

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream, by Jean-Baptiste Deshays, chalk, 1760
Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream, by Jean-Baptiste Deshays, chalk, 1760

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Deshays. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, along left edge of mount verso in red ink: R/L 18; by later hand, along left edge of mount verso in black ink: MC 092-23

About this work

Overview

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream is a drawing by Jean-Baptiste Deshays, created around 1760, using a mix of oil, brown wash, and black chalk on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a herder guiding sheep across a turbulent stream, with the animals entangled in a red blanket. The scene is set against a pale, cloudy sky, suggesting a windy atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The work features loose, sketchy brushwork and a predominantly earthy color palette, with touches of red. The use of impasto creates textured paint layers, adding to the sense of a fleeting moment captured on paper.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream?

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream was painted by Jean-Baptiste Deshays in 1760.

Where can I see Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream?

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream?

Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream?

Museum-quality prints of Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.