Artwork
Herdsman and Cows Crossing a River
Herdsman and Cows Crossing a River is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ercole Bazicaluva. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Ercole Bazzicaluva’s 1638 etching on laid paper portrays a pastoral scene in which a herd of cows is guided across a shallow river.
About this work
Overview
Ercole Bazzicaluva’s 1638 etching on laid paper portrays a pastoral scene in which a herd of cows is guided across a shallow river. The composition is anchored by a solitary figure on the far bank, observing the animals as they wade through the water, framed by trees and a faint horizon.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a moment of rural labor, emphasizing the relationship between the herdsman and his livestock. The calm, everyday activity suggests themes of stewardship of the land and the rhythm of agrarian life in 17th‑century Italy.
Technique & Style
Executed with delicate, incised lines, the etching renders the texture of water, grass, and bark through fine cross‑hatching and stippling. The restrained palette of black ink on laid paper reflects the Baroque period’s preference for chiaroscuro effects and detailed surface modeling.
History & Provenance
Bazzicaluva, an Italian engraver active around the 1640s, produced this work during the Baroque era. While specific ownership records are scarce, the print is documented among his surviving oeuvre and is cited in catalogues of 17th‑century Italian prints.
Context
The print aligns with contemporary interests in genre scenes that depict everyday labor. Such subjects were popular in Baroque art, offering viewers a glimpse into the countryside while showcasing the artist’s technical skill in rendering complex natural settings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ercole Bazzicaluva, also spelled Bezzicaluva or Bazzicaluve (active 1640), was an Italian engraver of the Baroque period.
