Drie studies van ossen en ossenwagen - Pierre Frédéric Lehnert

A detailed lithographic study of oxen and an ox-cart, capturing the anatomy and rural utility of the animals with precise draughtsmanship.

This lithograph by Pierre Frédéric Lehnert presents a series of observational studies focused on the bovine form. As part of the 'Études d'Animaux de Cooper' series, the work reflects the nineteenth-century interest in animal anatomy and rural life. The composition is divided into three distinct sections, each capturing the oxen in different states of rest or labour.

The top register depicts a single ox in profile, standing upon a suggestion of earth. The middle section shows a pair of oxen harnessed to a wooden cart, providing a glimpse into the agricultural practices of the period. The final study at the bottom presents a frontal view of an ox, allowing for a closer examination of the animal's physical structure and musculature. Lehnert employs a delicate line quality, typical of mid-nineteenth-century lithographic techniques, to define the texture of the hides and the weight of the animals.

The use of a warm, toned paper background provides a neutral ground that unifies the three separate sketches. The artist avoids excessive detail in the surrounding environment, keeping the focus strictly on the anatomy of the subjects. This approach aligns with the pedagogical nature of such print series, which were often intended for students of art or those interested in the naturalistic depiction of livestock. The work captures the quiet, steady presence of these animals, documenting their role in the rural economy of the era through precise, measured draughtsmanship. By isolating the figures, Lehnert invites the viewer to appreciate the structural form of the oxen without the distraction of a complex setting.