Artwork
Team of Oxen in Harness
Team of Oxen in Harness is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Wilhelm Leibl. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Wilhelm Leibl’s print titled *Team of Oxen in Harness* is an etching on wove paper dating from around 1876. The work is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It presents a rural scene rendered in a compact, monochrome format typical of 19th‑century printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a pair of oxen yoked to a simple wooden cart as they traverse a uneven, grassy field. The animals appear solid and muscular, their harnesses drawn tightly against their backs. A low fence and a few distant trees frame the horizon, suggesting a quiet, working landscape.
Technique & Style
Leibl employed the etching process, using quick, sketch‑like lines to convey the texture of the oxen’s fur and the irregular ground. The medium of wove paper provides a smooth surface that accentuates the fine, tonal variations achieved through varied line density and hatching.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1876, the print entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in 19th‑century European printmaking and Leibl’s contribution to realist depictions of everyday labor.
Artist & collection
