An etching by Charles-François Daubigny, 'The Hen and Her Chicks' depicts a mother hen with her young in a rural setting. The work exemplifies Daubigny's naturalistic style and skill as a printmaker.

Charles-François Daubigny (1817-1878) was a French painter and printmaker, and an important figure of the Barbizon School. This movement of artists rejected academic conventions and instead favoured direct observation of nature, often working en plein air. Daubigny's work is characterised by its naturalism and atmospheric effects, influencing later Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet. He is recognised for his contributions to the development of modern French painting, particularly his depictions of the French countryside. 'The Hen and Her Chicks' is an etching that exemplifies Daubigny's skill as a printmaker. The composition depicts a hen surrounded by her chicks in a rural setting. A rustic fence and foliage create a backdrop, while several birds fly overhead. The scene is rendered with fine lines and tonal variations, creating a sense of depth and texture. The artist's attention to detail captures the natural behaviour of the animals, conveying a sense of intimacy and charm.