Artwork

Crossing the Stream

Crossing the Stream, by Unknown, 1750
Crossing the Stream, by Unknown, 1750

Crossing the Stream is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Crossing the Stream is a drawing created in 1750, depicting a scene of people guiding animals across a shallow stream. The work is executed in muted browns and blues.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a group of people and animals wading through a stream lined with trees. The people are leading the animals with ropes, suggesting a pastoral or rural setting.

Technique & Style

The artist employed thin, repeated lines to build up the shapes of the animals and trees, creating a textured appearance. This technique, reminiscent of cross-hatching, gives the drawing a sense of depth and tactility.

History & Provenance

The drawing was part of the H.H. Harrod Bequest in 1947 and is catalogued under the manuscript number E.7534, although it remains unregistered.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known