Attelage de Boeufs 1868

"Attelage de Boeufs" (1868) by Charles Jacque, is a black and white etching portraying the arduous work of farmers tending to their land. Jacque, known for his pastoral scenes, masterfully captures the detail of the oxen pulling a plow in a field, under the watchful eyes of two men. The light is softened by a hazy, cloud-filled sky and a lush line of trees to the left, offering a sense of calm amidst the labor. This work exemplifies Jacque's fascination with the rustic life, celebrating the daily toil of country folk and their bond with nature. The etching, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, invites viewers to reflect on the importance of hard work and the simplicity of rural life in the 19th century.