Artwork

The Rabbits

The Rabbits, by Henri-Charles Guérard, 1893
The Rabbits, by Henri-Charles Guérard, 1893

The Rabbits is a print by the Impressionist artist Henri-Charles Guérard. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Rabbits, a print by Henri Charles Guérard, presents a serene scene of a group of rabbits gathered on a muted, earthy ground, characterized by soft tones and subtle lighting.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork focuses on the quiet, instinctual moment of the rabbits, conveying a sense of calm and stillness, reflective of Guérard's adaptation of Japanese artistic sensibilities.

Technique & Style

Guérard's style in The Rabbits, marked by simplicity, soft browns and grays, and a fading background, suggests an influence from Japanese woodcuts, notably those of Katsushika Hokusai.

History & Provenance

Nicknamed 'Japonais de Paris' for his affinity with Japanese art, Guérard likely drew inspiration from Hokusai's animal woodcuts, though specific provenance details of The Rabbits are not provided here.

Context

The piece is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, making it accessible for public viewing.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri-Charles Guérard

Artist

Henri-Charles Guérard

Henri Charles Guérard (26 April 1846, Paris - 24 March 1897, Paris) was a French painter and printmaker, particularly in etching and lithography.

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