Artwork

Four Oxen Pulling a Plough

Four Oxen Pulling a Plough, by Constant Troyon, 1853
Four Oxen Pulling a Plough, by Constant Troyon, 1853

Four Oxen Pulling a Plough is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Constant Troyon. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Four Oxen Pulling a Plough is a drawing by Constant Troyon, created in 1853, and is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four oxen pulling a wooden plow through a furrowed field, capturing the strength and labor of rural animals.

Technique & Style

Troyon's work showcases his attention to detail, as seen in the rendering of the oxen's muscles and the texture of their fur, as well as the turned earth.

Context

Troyon's work reflects the agricultural practices of 19th-century rural France, where animal labor was still prevalent.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Constant Troyon

Artist

Constant Troyon

Constant Troyon (French pronunciation: ; August 28, 1810 – February 21, 1865) was a French painter of the Barbizon school.

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