The artwork, “Landscape with Oxen,” created by the artist Balthus in the year 1942, is an oil painting on canvas. With dimensions of 100 by 72 cm, this piece belongs to the Expressionism art movement and depicts a landscape scene. Currently, it resides in a private collection, making it accessible only to select viewers.
The painting is composed of a serene rural setting, showcasing a small village nestled within a verdant valley. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and densely clustered trees, illuminated by the muted, earthy tones typical of Expressionism. In the foreground, an ox is led by a farmer, emphasizing a tranquil, pastoral lifestyle. The distant, rugged mountains create a dramatic backdrop, adding depth and a sense of scale to the composition. The interplay of light and shadow contributes to the painting’s contemplative and somewhat somber mood, conveying the quiet dignity of rural existence.
