LUCY BOYDELL | The Chillingham Cow
Charcoal and Chalk
75 x 65 cms / 29½ x 25½ inches
Signed Lucy Boydell (lower left)
A stunning charcoal drawing capturing the calm and gentile nature of a Chillingham Cow, one of Britain’s last remaining wild cattle. Rendered in gentle, expressive strokes, this monochrome artwork highlights the cow’s iconic horns and form, evoking a timeless connection to the ancient landscape of Northumberland.
Among the rarest creatures in existence, the Wild Cattle of Chillingham have roamed the ancient parklands of Northumberland for centuries, untouched by human domestication. These extraordinary animals, both cow and bull, possess an almost spectral beauty. Their pale coats, illuminated by the fierce light of June, presented a captivating challenge in charcoal and chalk.
One study in particular captured a moment of striking intimacy. The cow, gently exhaling, sent droplets shimmering in the light as they clung to the whiskers around her mouth. As the artist traced the complex structure of her face, observing the delicate contours of the nostrils and the way light settled across each fold and surface, a remarkable sense of closeness emerged. There was a moment when the observation became so immersive, it felt as though one were inhabiting the breath itself.
At Gladwell & Patterson, we are drawn to works that reflect not only technical excellence but also a profound sensitivity to subject. Each composition is shaped by research and by conversations with those who care for these animals with quiet devotion. Their knowledge, built through time and trust, enriches every stroke of the artist’s hand and brings to life the wild essence of these remarkable beings.
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