Artwork
River with Cattle
River with Cattle is an oil painting by Philip James de Loutherbourg. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
About this work
Overview
River with Cattle, an oil painting created by Philip James de Loutherbourg around 1786, presents a serene pastoral scene. The composition features a river, grazing cattle, a man running towards them with two dogs, and a reflected sky, evoking depth and atmosphere through the artist's handling of color and light.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a tranquil riverside moment, contrasting the calm cattle with the dynamic figure and dogs. While de Loutherbourg explored occult themes in other works, this painting's emphasis appears to be on capturing a natural, everyday scene.
Technique & Style
De Loutherbourg employed chiaroscuro to achieve depth and atmosphere, juxtaposing light and dark to enhance the sense of movement and serenity in the scene. His use of oil paint allowed for nuanced color and texture, reflecting the sky's image in the river's surface.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1786 by French-born, British-settled artist Philip James de Loutherbourg, the painting is now part of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery's collection. De Loutherbourg was versatile, known for naval scenes, theatrical designs, and inventive projects like the Eidophusikon.
Context
While de Loutherbourg's oeuvre includes diverse themes and mediums, River with Cattle situates itself within late 18th-century British pastoral painting, emphasizing the beauty of everyday rural life.
Legacy
As part of de Loutherbourg's broader artistic output, River with Cattle contributes to the understanding of his versatility and skill in capturing varied subjects, from the serene to the dramatic and technically innovative.
Artist & collection
Artist
Philip James de Loutherbourg, RA (born Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg; 31 October 1740 – 11 March 1812) was a French-born British painter who became known for his large naval works, his elaborate set designs for…
