Charles Émile Jacque (Paris, 1813 - 1894, Paris)
Sheep in the Shelter of the Oaks, about 1870
Oil on canvas, 65 x 53 cm (25 9/16 x 20 7/8 in.)
This vertical oil painting features sheep in a landscape. A cluster of three tall oak trees is prominent in the center and to our right of the canvas. In the foreground, and around the base of the trees, is a flock of white sheep, some sleeping, others grazing. Lying on the ground to our right is a light-skinned figure, propped up on one elbow, wearing a white cap and shirt and a blue skirt. The ground is rocky with tufts of grass. In the distance are bushes and a cloud-filled sky. The overall palate is muted, with shades of brown, beige, green, and grey. “Ch. Jacque” is signed in black paint in the lower left corner. The piece is framed with a gilded wooden frame with carved vines and leaves.
Blue Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.