Artwork
Cattle Fording a Stream
Cattle Fording a Stream is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Robinson. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Robert Robinson’s mezzotint Cattle Fording a Stream, dated around 1690, depicts a tranquil rural tableau. A small herd of cows and sheep wades through a shallow watercourse framed by trees and low, rocky hills. A woman in a long dress stands at the bank holding a staff, while a rider on horseback observes from the opposite side.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a moment of everyday agrarian life, emphasizing the harmonious interaction between humans, livestock, and landscape. The presence of the woman and the mounted figure suggests a pastoral narrative, perhaps alluding to the stewardship of land and the gentle rhythm of countryside labor.
Technique & Style
Executed in mezzotint on laid paper, the work relies on subtle gradations of tone to model forms. Robinson employs chiaroscuro, using deep blacks and delicate shadows to give the animals and figures a three‑dimensional presence, while the softer background recedes, creating depth within the limited palette.
History & Provenance
Created in the late seventeenth century, the print is attributed to the English engraver Robert Robinson, known for his skill in the mezzotint medium. It survives in several museum collections, indicating its circulation among collectors of prints during the period following its production.
Artist & collection
