Artwork

Herd of Swine

Herd of Swine, by Charles Jacque, 1868
Herd of Swine, by Charles Jacque, 1868

Herd of Swine is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Jacque. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Herd of Swine is a print created by Charles-Émile Jacque in 1868. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in a dark dress and headscarf standing among pigs in a rural landscape. The serene scene features a grassy area with rocks and trees, a hill, and a cloudy sky. The woman holds a stick, suggesting a connection to the animals and the land.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro in Herd of Swine creates depth and volume, with the figures standing out against a softer background. This technique contributes to the overall mood of quiet contemplation.

Context

Jacque was associated with the Barbizon School, a group known for depicting rural life. He worked alongside Jean-François Millet, another prominent artist of pastoral scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Jacque

Artist

Charles Jacque

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.

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