Artwork
The Wild Rabbit
The Wild Rabbit is a print by the Impressionist artist Félix Bracquemond. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1920.654
About this work
Overview
Félix Bracquemond’s 1891 print, titled The Wild Rabbit, depicts a solitary rabbit nestled amid grass and low vegetation. The animal is shown in a relaxed, curled posture, set against a softly rendered backdrop of distant hills and a few indistinct figures. The composition captures a tranquil moment in a natural setting, emphasizing the quiet presence of the creature within its environment.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a rabbit, rendered with attention to its fur and posture, suggesting a sense of vulnerability and calm. The surrounding foliage and the muted landscape frame the animal, inviting viewers to contemplate the simplicity of rural life and the fleeting stillness found in nature’s ordinary scenes.
Technique & Style
Bracquemond employs etching techniques characterized by loose, sketch‑like lines and extensive cross‑hatching to model the rabbit’s soft fur. The shading creates depth and volume, while the broader, less defined background elements convey atmospheric perspective. The overall style balances detailed observation of the animal with a more impressionistic treatment of the surrounding environment.
History & Provenance
Created in 1891, The Wild Rabbit entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on display. The work reflects Bracquemond’s late‑career interest in natural subjects, marking a period when he explored varied stylistic approaches within printmaking.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Félix Henri Bracquemond was a French painter, etcher, and printmaker. He played a key role in the revival of printmaking, encouraging artists such as Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro to use this technique.
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