Four Sleeping Pigs 1850

"Four Sleeping Pigs" is a black and white etching on paper by the French artist Charles Jacque, created in 1850. The print depicts a simple scene of three pigs sleeping in a barn, with a basket and a broom in the background. The scene is rendered in delicate detail, with Jacque’s masterful use of light and shadow creating a sense of quietude and intimacy. Jacque was known for his depictions of rural life, and this print is a prime example of his ability to capture the beauty and simplicity of everyday scenes. The etching, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, offers viewers a glimpse into the world of 19th-century rural France.