Drover with Calves in a Country Cart c. 1755

Thomas Gainsborough’s "Drover with Calves in a Country Cart" is a delicate drawing that showcases his mastery of composition and detail. Created circa 1755, the artwork captures the simple life of a drover transporting calves in a country cart. The drawing features a light, almost ethereal, use of line and shading that evokes the tranquility of the countryside. Gainsborough's keen eye for detail is apparent in the depiction of the animals and the landscape, adding to the realism of the scene. This small-scale drawing (24.1 x 29.2 cm) exemplifies Gainsborough’s early talent as a landscape and portrait artist.