Who painted The Eagles?

The Eagles was painted by Ker-Xavier Roussel in 1926.

Where can I see The Eagles?

The Eagles is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

The Eagles

Ker-Xavier Roussel , 1926

The Eagles is a print by Ker-Xavier Roussel. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Eagles, a 1926 print by French artist Ker Xavier Roussel, is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Executed in a stark, monochromatic palette, the work presents a rugged terrain under a predominantly black sky, punctuated by two soaring birds in the upper left corner.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes a desolate, grainy ground with the dynamic motion of the eagles, suggesting a tension between the harshness of the landscape and the freedom of flight. The faint vegetation in the lower right adds a subtle hint of life amid the bleakness.

Technique & Style

Roussel employs a scratchy, uneven line that creates a textured surface, allowing the print itself to echo the terrain it depicts. The strong contrast between dark and light areas emphasizes chiaroscuro principles, heightening the dramatic atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in the interwar period, The Eagles entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century. Its presence in the museum reflects the institution’s interest in early 20th‑century European prints and their experimental approaches to form and tone.