Artwork
A Stag beneath a Mighty Oak
A Stag beneath a Mighty Oak is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Johann Elias Ridinger. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Stag beneath a Mighty Oak is a drawing created by Johann Elias Ridinger in 1735. It is executed in pen and brown and gray ink with brown and gray wash over graphite on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a stag standing beneath a large oak tree, capturing the animal's calm demeanor and the tree's imposing presence. The detailed rendering of the stag's fur and the tree's bark suggests a deep observation of nature.
Technique & Style
Ridinger's use of fine lines and subtle tonal washes creates a precise yet expressive representation of the scene. The technique conveys a sense of realism, particularly in the rendering of the stag's legs and the texture of the tree's bark.
History & Provenance
Ridinger was a prominent German artist known for his depictions of animals and hunting scenes. His work was widely recognized, appearing not only in prints and drawings but also on Meissen porcelain.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Elias Ridinger (16 February 1698 in Ulm – 10 April 1767 in Augsburg) was a German painter, engraver, draughtsman and publisher.
