Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream c. 1760

"Herdsmen Driving Cattle across a Stream" is a drawing by French artist Jean-Baptiste Deshays from around 1760. It depicts a lively scene of herdsmen guiding cattle across a shallow stream. The drawing is characterized by Deshays' loose and expressive style, with gestural lines and washes of color capturing the movement and energy of the subject. This artwork is a prime example of the Rococo style, which favored lighthearted and whimsical subjects, with an emphasis on movement and naturalism. The composition is dynamic, with the cattle and figures arranged in a diagonal line that draws the viewer's eye across the page. The use of light and shadow further enhances the sense of depth and movement.