Artwork
Vaches Sous Bois
Vaches Sous Bois is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1872, *Vaches Sous Bois* is an etching on laid paper by the French artist Maxime Lalanne, known for his skill in both etching and charcoal. The print belongs to the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and presents a tranquil woodland scene rendered in monochrome.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows two cows feeding beneath a dense canopy of trees, while a figure with a staff stands near a modest bridge and another person leans against a post in the distance. The wet ground and filtered light suggest a recent rain, emphasizing the quiet coexistence of humans, animals, and nature.
Technique & Style
Lalanne employs delicate, intersecting lines to convey the texture of foliage and the play of light through branches. The use of fine cross‑hatching creates subtle tonal variations, allowing the wet surface and atmospheric depth to emerge without the aid of color. The print exemplifies his precise handling of line to model volume and light.
History & Provenance
The work was produced as a proof before the addition of lettering, a common practice in 19th‑century printmaking to test the composition. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it remains a representative example of Lalanne’s landscape etchings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
François Antoine Maxime Lalanne (November 27, 1827 – July 29, 1886) was a French artist known for his etchings and charcoal drawings (fusain).
