Artwork

Calf and sheep

Calf and sheep, by George Morland, oil, 1793
Calf and sheep, by George Morland, oil, 1793

Calf and sheep is an oil painting by George Morland. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Calf and Sheep is a painting executed in oil paint by George Morland around 1793. It exemplifies the artist's focus on rustic scenes and landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene landscape featuring a calf on the left and a sheep on the right, set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky. The tranquil atmosphere is characteristic of Morland's genre scenes.

Technique & Style

Morland's use of warm colors and soft brushstrokes contributes to the peaceful ambiance of the work. The rich textures in the painting reflect the influence of Dutch Golden Age painting on his style.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of a body of work intended for print reproduction, a practice that generated significant income for publishers. Morland's later career was marked by a decline in quality, coinciding with personal turmoil.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Morland

Artist

George Morland

George Morland (26 June 1763 – 29 October 1804) was an English painter. His early work was influenced by Francis Wheatley, but after the 1790s he came into his own style. His best compositions focus on rustic scenes:…

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