Study of Pigs

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps, a pioneer of French Orientalist painting, produced this study of pigs around 1855 as part of his later interest in animal subjects and rural life. Though best known for his Turkish and Middle Eastern scenes from the 1820s-30s, Decamps also painted Romantic landscapes and animal studies that influenced the Barbizon school. His bold, unconventional approach to painting anticipated aspects of Impressionist technique.

Decamps's oil on paper, mounted on canvas, shows his characteristically loose, sketch-like brushwork with thick impasto highlights. The earthy palette and direct observation of animal forms demonstrate his naturalistic approach to humble subjects.