Artwork
A Bull Sleeping
A Bull Sleeping is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Johann Heinrich Roos. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Bull Sleeping is a drawing by Johann Heinrich Roos, created around 1672. It is executed in pen and brown ink over black chalk on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a bull in a state of repose, lying on its side with its head resting on its front legs. The detailed rendering of the bull's fur conveys a sense of texture and tactility.
Technique & Style
The artist employed cross-hatching, layering lines to create depth and dimension. This technique gives the bull a three-dimensional appearance, achieved through the buildup of shadows and form.
Context
This work is characteristic of the Baroque period, a time when artists often explored dramatic and detailed representations of subjects.
Artist & collection
