Artwork
Drawing of pigs
Drawing of pigs is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Edwin Landseer. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Edwin Landseer’s 1812 drawing presents a quiet scene of two mature pigs and two young piglets lying together on a bed of straw. The composition captures the animals in a relaxed pose, emphasizing the natural behavior of swine at rest. The work forms part of a collection titled *Early Drawings from Copies and from Nature*, which was later donated by the collector John Sheepshanks.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing focuses on a solitary adult pig, its head tucked against its forelegs, while the piglets nestle against its belly. This arrangement highlights the familial bond and the protective nature of the adult, offering a modest yet intimate glimpse into domestic animal life in the early nineteenth century.
Technique & Style
Landseer employed swift, dark strokes to delineate the texture of the pigs’ fur and the shadows that define their forms. Lighter, more tentative lines suggest the straw-covered ground, creating a contrast between the dense animal bodies and the airy substrate. A modest signature in the lower corner reads, “Drawn by E. Landseer from the life,” confirming the work’s observational basis.
History & Provenance
The piece was included in a series of early drawings that Landseer produced from direct observation and from existing copies. These works were later assembled under the title *Early Drawings from Copies and from Nature* and entered the public domain through a donation by John Sheepshanks, a notable 19th‑century patron of British art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Edwin Henry Landseer was an English painter and sculptor, well known for his paintings of animals – particularly horses, dogs, and stags. His best-known work is the lion sculptures at the base of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.
