Artwork

The Morning

The Morning, by Charles Jacque, 1864
The Morning, by Charles Jacque, 1864

The Morning is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Jacque. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Morning, a print created by Charles-Émile Jacque in 1864, is a representation of a serene rural scene at dawn, featuring a lone rider on horseback along a quiet road.

Subject & Meaning

The piece captures the tranquility of early morning in a rural setting, emphasizing solitude and the gradual awakening of nature as light breaks through the dark sky.

Technique & Style

Jacque employed shading techniques, reminiscent of his background in engraving, to achieve depth and contrast, making the rider and horse prominent against a softer, more subdued background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1864, The Morning is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Jacque's association with the Barbizon School's focus on rural landscapes.

Context

Aligning with Barbizon School principles, Jacque's work shares thematic similarities with Jean-François Millet, focusing on the beauty and simplicity of rural life and landscapes.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of The Morning are not highlighted, it contributes to Jacque's overall body of work that showcases his unique blend of engraving precision and Barbizon School aesthetics.

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.