Artwork

A Meadow with Cattle and Deer

A Meadow with Cattle and Deer, by Francis Barlow, ink, 1684
A Meadow with Cattle and Deer, by Francis Barlow, ink, 1684

A Meadow with Cattle and Deer is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Francis Barlow. It dates from 1684 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Meadow with Cattle and Deer is a 1684 drawing by Francis Barlow, an English artist known for his animal subjects and outdoor scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene pastoral landscape with cattle, deer, and two figures, one possibly milking a cow, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Rendered in pen, brown ink, and gray wash on laid paper, the work features gentle lines and subtle shading, characteristic of the Baroque style, which uses light and shadow to create depth.

History & Provenance

Francis Barlow, considered Britain's first wildlife painter, created this work in 1684, a time when he was actively illustrating books on natural history and hunting scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francis Barlow

Artist

Francis Barlow

Francis Barlow (c. 1626 – 1704) was an English painter, etcher, and illustrator. He ranks among the most prolific book-illustrators and printmakers of the 17th century, working across several genres: natural history,…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.