Artwork
Cattle, sheep and goats
Cattle, sheep and goats is a drawing by Thomas Sidney Cooper. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1850, this pencil drawing by English artist Thomas Sidney Cooper presents a pastoral scene populated by cattle, sheep and goats. The composition includes a reclining male figure amid the herd, while a woman and child stand nearby, all set within a gently rolling landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The work emphasizes a tranquil rural life, juxtaposing human presence with domesticated livestock. The relaxed posture of the man and the attentive stance of the woman and child suggest a harmonious relationship between people and the land they inhabit.
Technique & Style
Executed in graphite, Cooper employs varied line work and subtle shading to model the forms of the animals and figures, creating a sense of depth. Atmospheric perspective is suggested by lighter strokes for distant trees and hills, enhancing the calm ambience.
History & Provenance
The drawing dates to the mid‑nineteenth century, a period when Cooper was renowned for his animal studies. Its provenance traces back to private collections, though specific ownership details remain limited.
Context
Cooper’s oeuvre frequently celebrated agricultural subjects, reflecting Victorian England’s interest in pastoral idealism. This piece aligns with his broader practice of rendering livestock with anatomical accuracy and gentle sentiment.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Sidney Cooper was an English landscape painter from Canterbury, noted for his images of cattle and farm animals.
A Chinese porter and a cow
Woods Near a Village with Rabbit Catchers and Their Greyhounds
Three cows
Two drawings of a cow
Three goats
Sketch of cattle
Cows, and a figure carrying a basket
Two figures with a cow and calf; and a goat
Two drawings of a cow and calf
Sketches of Chinese figures and cows
Llanberis- Sheep and Cows