Artwork
Teals
Teals is a print by the Impressionist artist Félix Bracquemond. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Félix Bracquemond’s 1853 print titled *Teals* is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Executed in the mid‑nineteenth century, the work presents a tranquil wetland scene populated by waterfowl. The composition balances grounded figures with aerial elements, inviting the viewer to observe a moment of natural stillness punctuated by subtle motion.
Subject & Meaning
The image centers on a group of ducks navigating a reed‑filled marsh. Some birds stand on the water’s edge while others take flight, and a flock of distant birds traverses the sky. This juxtaposition of grounded and airborne creatures suggests a harmonious ecosystem where land, water, and air intersect in quiet rhythm.
Technique & Style
Bracquemond employs a nuanced interplay of light and shadow to model the scene’s depth. Dark, densely rendered grasses contrast with a lighter, expansive sky, guiding the eye across the composition. Fine lines capture the texture of feathers and plant material, achieving a realistic yet delicate rendering characteristic of mid‑century French printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1853, *Teals* entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (date of acquisition not specified). The work reflects Bracquemond’s interest in natural subjects during a period when French artists were increasingly exploring realistic depictions of wildlife and landscape.
Artist & collection
Artist
Félix Henri Bracquemond (French pronunciation: ; 22 May 1833 – 29 October 1914) was a French painter, etcher, and printmaker.
