Who painted La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock)?

La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock) was painted by Robert J. Wickenden in 1893.

Where can I see La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock)?

La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock)?

La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock)?

Museum-quality prints of La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock)

Robert J. Wickenden , 1893

La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Robert J. Wickenden. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Robert J.

About this work

Overview

Robert J. Wickenden’s 1893 lithograph La rentrée du troupeau (The Return of the Flock) presents a quiet rural scene rendered entirely in black on wove paper. The composition centers on a group of sheep moving toward a homestead, set against a darker, atmospheric background that suggests evening or overcast weather. The work’s restrained palette emphasizes form and mood over color.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a moment of pastoral routine: a flock of sheep making its way back to shelter, likely after grazing. In the distance, modest structures—perhaps cottages or barns—anchor the landscape, hinting at human presence without dominating the scene. The tranquil procession conveys a sense of order and the timeless rhythm of agrarian life.

Technique & Style

Executed as a black‑ink lithograph on wove paper, the piece relies on the medium’s capacity for fine line work and subtle tonal variation. Wickenden manipulates the lithographic stone to produce textured surfaces that differentiate the woolly silhouettes of the sheep from the muted ground and sky, creating depth through contrast rather than color.

History & Provenance

Created in 1893, the print belongs to the late‑nineteenth‑century period when lithography was a popular method for disseminating images of everyday life. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among Wickenden’s prints that document rural French scenery, reflecting the artist’s interest in documenting ordinary, bucolic subjects.