Artwork
Open Landscape with Cottage, Figures and Animals

Open Landscape with Cottage, Figures and Animals is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Gainsborough. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Open Landscape with Cottage, Figures and Animals is a drawing by Thomas Gainsborough, serving as a preparatory study for one of his oil-on-glass paintings.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a simple landscape scene featuring a cottage, figures, and animals, capturing the essence of a serene rural setting.
Technique & Style
Executed rapidly and with bold strokes, the drawing showcases Gainsborough's expressive and spontaneous approach to capturing his composition.
History & Provenance
The drawing is related to one of ten oil-on-glass paintings by Gainsborough held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, which has a more elaborate composition with additional details.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Gainsborough (; 14 May 1727 (baptised) – 2 August 1788) was an English painter, draughtsman and printmaker who specialised in portrait and landscape painting.



















