Who painted A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood?

A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood was painted by Martin von Molitor in 1790.

Where can I see A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood?

A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood?

A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood?

Museum-quality prints of A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood

Martin von Molitor , 1790

A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Martin von Molitor. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Martin von Molitor’s print titled *A Meadow with Cattle at the Edge of a Wood* dates from around 1790. Executed as an etching on laid paper, the work presents a tranquil rural scene in which a small herd of cows grazes beside a dark line of trees that mark the boundary of a forest.

Subject & Meaning

The composition balances open meadow and shaded woodland, inviting a contemplation of the contrast between cultivated pasture and untamed nature. The presence of the cattle suggests everyday agrarian life, while the looming trees introduce a sense of depth and quiet mystery to the landscape.

Technique & Style

Molitor employed tonal etching, a method that combines traditional acid biting with deliberate scratching of the metal plate to achieve subtle gradations of tone. This approach yields warm, softly rendered grasses and cooler, more atmospheric foliage, allowing light and shadow to convey mood rather than precise detail.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1790, the print belongs to the later phase of Molitor’s career, when he explored the expressive potential of tonal effects. It remains documented in several European print collections, reflecting the artist’s reputation for advancing printmaking techniques during the late eighteenth century.