Thomas Gainsborough
, English, 1727-1788
Title
A Shepherd Driving a Flock of Sheep through a WoodDatec.1780
MediumBlack and white chalk, ink and wash on paper
Dimensions
27.4 x 36.2 cm
Credit LinePresented, Mr J. Heywood Hawkins, 1872
Object numberNGI.2115
DescriptionThough best known for his society portraits, Gainsborough had a great love for landscape painting. He is reputed to have said that had he not had to earn a living he would abandon portraiture altogether. Initially he created views of great accuracy, modelled on the Dutch pattern of rutted paths and leafy woods. Later he evolved a looser method of dealing with sweeps of foliage. When he had no time to sketch in the country he created imaginary landscapes using twigs and moss, arranged by candlelight in his studio. Gainsborough was a spontaneous draughtsman. In this late drawing, through expressive mark making, he manages to capture the essence of the various forms, from dense woolly sheep to agitated foliage and solid cows.