Artwork
The Old Cock
The Old Cock is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Félix Bracquemond. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Old Cock, a drawing by Félix Henri Bracquemond, dates to circa 1882. Executed in conté crayon with brush and brown-black wash on wove paper, it showcases the artist's multifaceted talent as a painter, etcher, and printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of The Old Cock is straightforward, yet its creation reflects Bracquemond's intersection with multiple artistic currents of his time, including the burgeoning Japonisme movement and his ties to Impressionism.
Technique & Style
The drawing demonstrates Bracquemond's technical prowess in combining conté crayon's graphic precision with the expressive fluidity of brown-black wash, highlighting his innovative approach to mixed media.
History & Provenance
Created around 1882, the work's provenance is not detailed here, though its existence underscores Bracquemond's prolific output during this period.
Context
The Old Cock was made during a time of significant artistic innovation in France. Bracquemond's connections to both Impressionism (through his wife, Marie Bracquemond) and the revival of printmaking, as well as his contributions to Japonisme through pottery design, situate the piece within a broader cultural and artistic transformation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Félix Henri Bracquemond (French pronunciation: ; 22 May 1833 – 29 October 1914) was a French painter, etcher, and printmaker.
