Artwork
Two Cows and a Woman Lying Down
Two Cows and a Woman Lying Down is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean-Louis Demarne. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jean-Louis Demarne's 1786 etching, Two Cows and a Woman Lying Down, presents a serene rural scene in black on laid paper, balancing multiple elements within a busy yet harmonious composition.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two dominant cows under a tree, alongside a reclining woman and a fenced background with grazing sheep, evoking a peaceful pastoral atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Demarne employed etching to achieve detailed textures, evident in the cows' fur and tree bark, through expressive line work that adds depth to the monochrome print.
History & Provenance
Created in 1786, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work as a representative example of Demarne's output from this period.
Context
This etching reflects late 18th-century European interest in pastoral themes, often used to depict idyllic rural life.
Legacy
While not extensively detailed here, the piece contributes to the broader legacy of etching in capturing everyday and pastoral scenes during its time.
Artist & collection
