Cow, Sheep and Donkey in a Parkland Setting
The Friesian cow has its origins in the Northern Netherlands and Dutch cattle were imported to North Yorkshire where by the 1840s they were renowned as the greatest milkers in the country.
The rams are blackface, common on upland pastures and raised primarily for their meat. They are found across the United Kingdom.
The presence of the donkey also suggests the picture is more likely of English than Scottish origin. Originating in North Africa, the breed was introduced to Great Britain by the Romans. Stronger than a horse of comparable size the donkey could be used to carry out many physical tasks on a farm including pulling a cart or drawing a plough. They were also used as a guard animal to protect flocks of sheep; their loud braying scaring off predators or alerting the shepherd to impending threats.
The small building in the background of the present work looks more English than Scottish, so the work may be the work of an English painter possibly working north of the River Humber.
In the late 18th and early 19th Century it became popular for farmers or landowners to immortalize champion or otherwise favourite of their domesticated animals and the present work may be such an example.
Additional details
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Object data
Date 1850 - 1875 Accession G.1992.051 Materials Support canvas Dimensions 55.5cm x 76.2cm Medium Paint, oil -
Exhibitions
No exhibition data for this record.
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