Artwork

Landscape with a Frightened Waggoner

Landscape with a Frightened Waggoner, by Sébastien Bourdon, ink, 1644
Landscape with a Frightened Waggoner, by Sébastien Bourdon, ink, 1644

Landscape with a Frightened Waggoner is an ink print by the Baroque artist Sébastien Bourdon. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with a Frightened Waggoner is a 1644 engraving by Sébastien Bourdon, a 17th-century French artist known for both religious and secular works. This print captures a dramatic moment in a rural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a sudden, alarming scene: a horse rears up, a wagon driver rushes alongside, conveying a moment of panic. The subject highlights Bourdon’s interest in landscape as a narrative vehicle.

Technique & Style

Bourdon’s meticulous rendering of the horse’s movement showcases his technical skill in engraving. The dramatic portrayal reflects his ability to infuse landscapes with dynamic storytelling.

History & Provenance

Created in 1644, the engraving is part of Bourdon’s lesser-known landscape works, contrasting with his more prominent religious pieces like *The Crucifixion of St. Peter*.

Context

While Bourdon is noted for religious and genre scenes, *Landscape with a Frightened Waggoner* demonstrates his exploration of the landscape genre, a less highlighted aspect of his oeuvre.

Legacy

This work, through its dynamic depiction of a fleeting moment, contributes to the understanding of Bourdon’s stylistic range and his contribution to 17th-century European printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Sébastien Bourdon

Artist

Sébastien Bourdon

Sébastien Bourdon (French pronunciation: ; 2 February 1616 – 8 May 1671) was a French painter and engraver. His chef d'œuvre is The Crucifixion of St. Peter made for the cathedral of Notre Dame.

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