Sheep at the Watering Hole (Moutons à l’abreuvoir), ca. 1888. Charles-Émile Jacque. Oil on canvas. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust.
Charles Émile Jacque was among the group of painters who moved to the small French village of Barbizon in the mid-nineteenth century. While some Barbizon painters focused on depicting peasant life, Jacque would come to be recognized as one of the period’s preeminent animal painters. Once called the “Raphael of Sheep,” Jacque always favored the subject of sheep and shepherds featured in this painting. In Barbizon, he was usually followed by a small flock of tame sheep, which served as his companions and models.
Charles Émile Jacque was among the group of painters who moved to the small French village of Barbizon in the mid-nineteenth century. While some Barbizon painters focused on depicting peasant life, Jacque would come to be recognized as one of the period's preeminent animal painters. Once called the "Raphael of Sheep," Jacque always favored the subject of sheep and shepherds featured in this painting. In Barbizon, he was usually followed by a small flock of tame sheep, which served as his companions and models.
