Artwork
The Flock
The Flock is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Charles Jacque. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
About this work
Overview
Charles‑Jacques’ oil painting titled *The Flock* presents a quiet rural tableau in which a shepherd, dressed in a light‑blue shirt and hat, stands among a group of sheep. A black dog watches attentively, while a dense forest rises behind them under a blue sky dotted with clouds. The composition conveys a calm, bucolic atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the everyday labor of shepherding, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between the human caretaker, his animals, and the surrounding landscape. The presence of the dog underscores the theme of vigilance and protection within the pastoral setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs layered brushwork that renders the foliage and tree trunks with a tactile realism. Subtle tonal variations create depth, allowing the figures in the foreground to stand out against the atmospheric background, a hallmark of the Barbizon School’s naturalistic approach.
History & Provenance
Charles Jacque, a French painter linked to the Barbizon School, created *The Flock* in 1813, the same year of his birth, according to the museum’s records. The painting entered the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, where it remains on display.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Charles-Émile Jacque (23 May 1813 – 7 May 1894) was a French painter of Pastoralism and engraver who was, with Jean-François Millet, part of the Barbizon School. He first learned to engrave maps when he spent seven years in the French Army.
