Stag Walking
Watercolour and gouache on cream-coloured wove paper, 14 x 22.9 cm, by Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875)
Brooklyn Museum

A solitary stag walking gracefully across a vast, open landscape under a moody, overcast sky. The deer's form is depicted with precision, highlighting its powerful legs, elegant posture, and impressive antlers. The muted earth tones of the foreground blend seamlessly into the distant rolling hills, creating a sense of depth and natural harmony. The sky, painted with soft, diffused clouds, enhances the atmosphere of quiet solitude. The overall composition conveys a serene yet wild beauty, capturing the essence of the stag in its natural habitat.