Artwork
A Sheep Resting
A Sheep Resting is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist James Ward. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
James Ward’s drawing titled *A Sheep Resting*, executed around 1805, presents a solitary animal in a moment of repose. Rendered on wove paper, the work combines graphite, watercolor, and green crayon, creating a modestly sized study that captures the quiet presence of a sheep curled on a grassy patch.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a sheep lying on its side, its head tucked beneath its belly as if in sleep. The animal’s relaxed posture and the surrounding grass suggest a tranquil, natural setting, emphasizing the ordinary yet intimate aspects of rural life without overt narrative embellishment.
Technique & Style
Ward employs swift, fuzzy graphite strokes to suggest the texture of wool, while delicate watercolor washes convey the softness of the fleece and the muted tones of the ground. Areas of the drawing remain rough, contrasting with smoother sections, a technique that enhances the tactile illusion of the sheep’s dense coat.
History & Provenance
Created in the early nineteenth century, the piece reflects Ward’s broader interest in animal studies during his formative years. The drawing is part of a collection that includes similar sketches of domestic fauna, illustrating the artist’s practice of observing and recording animal forms for later, larger works.
Artist & collection
