The Milkmaid

Thomas Gainsborough 1727 - 1788

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Thomas Gainsborough. The drawing shows a milkmaid from the back, holding a pail and milking a cow. Another cow is lying down on the ground next to the one being milked. The scene is framed by trees and foliage. The drawing is dense with lots of broad chalk lines. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "14. THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH (b. 1727; d. 1788) THE MILKMAID Collection of Arthur Kay, Esq., Edinburgh. Black chalk on red-tinted paper, heightened with white. 23.2 x 31.5 cm. (9 1/8 x 12 3/8 in.). The colour of the original has been sacrificed in the reproduction. This fine drawing - distinguished by a rather unusual 'solidarity'. along with its breadth of style - suffers thereby a certain loss of life and bloom. L. B."