Artwork
Horses in a Rainstorm
Horses in a Rainstorm is an oil painting by Károly Lotz. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Károly Lotz’s oil work titled *Horses in a Rainstorm* was painted in 1862 and is part of the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery. The canvas captures a moment of inclement weather over a rural landscape, where a small group of horses, a woman in a white dress, and a dog are gathered beneath a storm‑filled sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on several horses of differing hues—brown, white, and black—standing in a field while a woman in a white dress and hat approaches them, accompanied by a tiny white dog. The presence of the figure and animal suggests a narrative of human‑animal interaction set against the looming threat of rain, evoking themes of vulnerability and perseverance.
Technique & Style
Lotz employs chiaroscuro to model the forms, allowing the dark, cloud‑laden background to contrast sharply with the lighter tones of the horses and the woman’s attire. The handling of oil paint renders the wet atmosphere and the texture of the terrain, while the subtle gradations of light create depth and a sense of impending weather.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1860s, the painting entered the holdings of the Hungarian National Gallery, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s effort to represent 19th‑century Hungarian art and the work of Lotz, a prominent painter of the period.
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