Salon of 1842: Landscape with Animals 1842

Editor: Right now, we're looking at "Salon of 1842: Landscape with Animals," an etching and engraving by Jules-Robert-Pierre-Joseph Challamel. It's a pastoral scene dominated by cattle. The textures achieved in monochrome are compelling... What catches your eye when you view this work? Curator: For me, it’s the sheer weight of that bull. Can you feel it? He’s immense and imposing. There's a tension, isn't there, between the almost photographic detail of the animals and the romantic, slightly hazy landscape they inhabit. I think it suggests the artist’s interest in faithfully representing nature, something many artists were occupied by at this time, without sacrificing this dreamy quality. Don’t you think so? Editor: Absolutely, especially with how the lines fade into the sky, or almost blur as they hit the water’s surface! But, the focus definitely seems to be those massive, tangible creatures in the foreground. Curator: Right? It makes me think about our relationship with nature and the power we often ascribe to animals…It also reminds me, oddly, of a play I saw once, all about animal rights… anyway, where was I? Editor: You were about to tie this artwork into a theory on how our perspective shapes animal portraiture from the 19th century! Curator: Indeed. See how the size makes the animal the true center of attention and not, perhaps, the human form we tend to portray in the eras preceding realism. The romantic touches of landscapes set them off into an untouchable sphere that is ripe for our projection, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: This was amazing, I appreciate your insights. I never would have thought about the animal and nature relationship at this time, but that adds depth! Curator: Glad I could help! It is an artwork that leaves a lasting impact; glad you could feel it too!