This etching by Charles-François Daubigny depicts a pig in an orchard, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing rural scenes with fine lines and atmospheric depth.

Charles-François Daubigny (1817-1878) was a French painter and printmaker, one of the key figures of the Barbizon School. This group of artists advocated painting directly from nature, prefiguring Impressionism. Daubigny's work is characterised by its naturalistic observation and atmospheric effects. He is particularly known for his river scenes and rural subjects. His influence on later artists, such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, is well documented. 'A Pig in an Orchard' is a fine example of Daubigny's skill as a printmaker. The etching depicts a pig foraging in a grassy field, with trees and a distant horizon forming the backdrop. The composition is simple, yet the artist's command of line and tone creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The fine lines capture the texture of the foliage and the animal's form, while the overall effect is one of quiet rural life.