Artwork
Farming and Herding Buffalo in Summer
Farming and Herding Buffalo in Summer is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1562 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents an expansive, gently undulating terrain traversed by winding paths.
About this work
Overview
The palette is dominated by earthy browns and muted greens, accented with touches of red and blue that suggest cultivated fields or water.
The work presents an expansive, gently undulating terrain traversed by winding paths. Small clusters of figures are engaged in labor while buffalo move across the verdant slopes. Sparse trees punctuate the hillsides, and distant mountains dissolve into light, ink‑like washes. The palette is dominated by earthy browns and muted greens, accented with touches of red and blue that suggest cultivated fields or water.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a seasonal agricultural scene, emphasizing the coexistence of human activity and wildlife. The presence of buffalo alongside workers highlights a pastoral economy reliant on both herding and farming. The open landscape and soft horizon convey a sense of continuity between cultivated land and the natural environment.
Technique & Style
The artist employs thin, rapid brushstrokes that convey motion across the hills and water surfaces. Delicate detailing of individual workers and grazing animals adds vitality to the broader vista. The use of light ink washes for distant mountains creates atmospheric depth, while the restrained color scheme focuses attention on form and movement rather than decorative richness.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed for public viewing. Specific information regarding its creation date, original ownership, or exhibition history has not been provided.
Artist & collection
