Camel was painted by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg in 1774.

Where can I see Camel?

Camel is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Camel?

Camel is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Camel?

Museum-quality prints of Camel are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Camel

Johann Rudolph Schellenberg , 1774

Camel is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Johann Rudolph Schellenberg. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: Johann Rudolph Schellenberg / 1740 Basel Töss b. Winterthur / 1806 / Inv. 524; upper center verso in graphite: 4290

About this work

Overview

Johann Rudolph Schellenberg’s drawing, dated around 1774, presents a solitary camel rendered in profile. Executed with red and black chalk on laid paper, the composition captures the animal’s distinctive silhouette, emphasizing its hump, elongated neck, and modest accoutrements.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on a single camel, its head turned slightly toward the viewer, suggesting a moment of quiet observation. The inclusion of a saddle, blanket, water bottle, and a bundle of sticks hints at the animal’s role in travel or transport, offering a glimpse into everyday utilitarian contexts.

Technique & Style

Schellenberg employs loose, gestural lines characteristic of a sketch, using contrasting red and black chalk to delineate form without extensive shading. The choice of laid paper provides a textured surface that enhances the drawing’s subtle tonal variations, reflecting a restrained, observational approach.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1774, the drawing belongs to the late eighteenth‑century period when naturalistic studies were common among artists and scientists. While specific ownership details are not recorded, the piece aligns with Schellenberg’s broader oeuvre of animal studies produced during his career.