The artwork titled “Harnessed Horses” is the creation of the artist Eugene Boudin, who composed this piece around 1890 in France. It falls under the impressionist movement, a revolutionary art style of the time that emphasized the importance of capturing the transient effects of light and color. As an example of animal painting, this genre focuses on the depiction of animals, both in their natural environment and in relation to human activity.
In “Harnessed Horses,” Boudin presents a scene with two horses in harness. The one on the left appears to be a chestnut color, while the one on the right is painted primarily white. The horses are portrayed standing side by side, possibly awaiting their duty, giving off a sense of calm readiness. Their harnesses and the gear on their backs suggest they are work horses, perhaps used for transportation or agricultural tasks. The scene behind the horses is roughly painted, with dark tones suggesting a shelter or perhaps a building that recedes into the indistinct background, while light brushstrokes above hint at a possibly overcast sky.
Boudin’s use of loose brushwork and his focus on light and atmosphere are indicative of the impressionist style. The composition avoids elaborate detail and instead conveys the essence and mood of the moment, characteristic of the movement’s aim to capture a glimpse rather than a detailed representation. The artwork is infused with a realism that pays homage to the everyday life and the significant role of horses in late 19th-century society.
