Artwork
A Young Bull
A Young Bull is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist John Woodhouse Audubon. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
John Woodhouse Audubon painted A Young Bull around 1849 using oil on canvas. The work measures a solitary white bull positioned in a fenced pasture, its head turned forward. A simple wooden fence and a solitary tree border the animal, while a muted sky forms a soft backdrop. The composition centers on the bull, emphasizing its calm demeanor.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a single young bull, its white coat interrupted by brown patches, standing serenely within a modest rural setting. The animal’s forward gaze and relaxed posture suggest a moment of quiet observation, inviting viewers to contemplate the everyday presence of livestock in 19th‑century agrarian life.
Technique & Style
Audubon employs loose, rapid brushwork, particularly evident in the textured rendering of the bull’s fur. The paint application is relatively thin, allowing the underlying canvas to show through, while the background recedes in a hazy wash that softens the horizon. This approach keeps the focus on the animal and creates a subtle atmospheric effect.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1849, A Young Bull belongs to Audubon’s early oeuvre, produced during his years in the United States when he documented North American wildlife. The painting’s ownership record is limited, but it remains an example of his interest in portraying domestic animals alongside his more celebrated bird studies.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Woodhouse Audubon (November 30, 1812 – February 21, 1862) was an American painter who was the second son of the ornithologist and painter John James Audubon.
