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David Gauld
Two Calves

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Two Calves

Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Glasgow Style
Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum

David Gauld Explore David Gauld’s serene depiction of two cows in a barn, reflecting Japanese influences and Pre-Raphaelite ideals. Admire the meticulous detail and rustic charm of this Glasgow Boy masterpiece.

Discover David Gauld (1865-1936), a pivotal Glasgow Boys artist known for oil paintings & stained glass. Influenced by Japanese art & Pre-Raphaelites, his work foreshadowed Art Nouveau. Explore cows, mills, and portraits in Scottish galleries.

Giclée / Art Print

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White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

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P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

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W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

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H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

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Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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Two Calves

Giclée / Art Print

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ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

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Quick Facts

Title: Two Calves
Notable elements or techniques: Detailed depiction of bovine anatomy; Atmospheric lighting
Artist: David Gauld
Location: Private Collection
Subject or theme: Rural Landscape
Influences:
- Japanese Prints
- Pre-Raphaelitism

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

David Gauld is primarily known for his contributions to which artistic movement?

Impressionism

Cubism

Glasgow Style

Question 2:

What stylistic influences can be observed in Gauld's artwork, particularly evident in *Two Calves*?

Roman Baroque

Renaissance Humanism

Japanese Prints and Pre-Raphaelite Ideals

Question 3:

The depiction of the barn in *Two Calves* aims to convey which mood or atmosphere?

Dramatic Tension

Romantic Nostalgia

Urban Sophistication

Question 4:

Gauld's apprenticeship under Stephen Adam honed his skills in what craft?

Sculpture

Painting

Stained Glass Design

Question 5:

Which artwork is considered a precursor of the Art Nouveau movement?

The Starry Night

Guernica

St Agnes

Collectible Description

David Gauld’s “Two Calves”: A Fusion of Japanese Influence and Pre-Raphaelite Vision

David Gauld (1865-1936) represents a pivotal moment in Scottish artistic evolution, specifically within the Glasgow Boys movement—a collective that championed bold experimentation and challenged academic conventions. His enduring legacy rests not merely on his prolific output but on his singular ability to synthesize disparate aesthetic inspirations into a cohesive visual language. Gauld’s artistic journey began with meticulous apprenticeship as a lithographer, grounding him in traditional craftsmanship before he embraced the transformative energy of Glasgow School of Art in 1882. This formative period instilled within him a deep appreciation for both Eastern and Western artistic traditions—a duality that would become central to his distinctive style.

Subject Matter: The painting depicts two cows situated within a rustic barn setting, capturing a quintessential scene of rural Scotland. Gauld’s careful observation of the natural world is evident in the depiction of the animals and their environment.
Style: “Two Calves” embodies elements characteristic of both Japanese prints and Pre-Raphaelite ideals. The flattened perspective reminiscent of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints contributes to a sense of serenity and stillness, while simultaneously reflecting the luminous color palettes and idealized forms favored by artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt.
Technique: Gauld skillfully employed oil paint on canvas—a technique that allowed for nuanced tonal gradations and textural richness—resulting in an image imbued with palpable warmth and depth. The artist’s meticulous brushwork captures the subtle nuances of light and shadow, enhancing the realism of the bovine subjects.

Historical Context: The Glasgow Boys and Artistic Innovation

Gauld's artistic endeavors coincided with a period of significant intellectual ferment in Scotland. The Glasgow Boys—including Gauld himself—challenged the prevailing stylistic norms of the Royal Academy, advocating for bolder compositions and expressive color palettes. They drew inspiration from Japanese prints, specifically *hokuyo-ga*, which emphasized atmospheric perspective and simplified forms—a deliberate rejection of academic realism. Simultaneously, they absorbed the spiritual fervor of Pre-Raphaelitism, prioritizing beauty and moral allegory over mere imitation of classical art. This dual influence propelled Gauld to forge a path toward artistic innovation that would resonate throughout the late Victorian era.

Symbolism: Tranquility and Pastoral Ideal

Beyond its formal stylistic considerations, “Two Calves” carries symbolic weight. Cows represent fertility, nurturing, and pastoral contentment—themes frequently explored in Pre-Raphaelite art. The barn itself symbolizes domesticity and connection to the land, reinforcing the painting’s overarching mood of peaceful contemplation. Furthermore, the gaze of the cows—directed outwards—suggests a yearning for something beyond the immediate surroundings, hinting at an underlying spiritual dimension.

Emotional Impact: A Momentary Escape into Beauty

Ultimately, Gauld's “Two Calves” succeeds in transporting viewers to a tranquil rural landscape. The painting’s luminous colors and masterful brushwork evoke feelings of serenity and nostalgia—a testament to the artist’s ability to capture not just visual likeness but also emotional resonance. It serves as an enduring reminder of the transformative power of art to elevate our perception of the natural world and to inspire contemplation on themes of beauty, simplicity, and spiritual harmony.

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Two Calves

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Artist Biography

David Gauld: Pioneer of Glasgow Style and Stained Glass Innovation

David Gauld (1865-1936) stands as a significant figure in Scottish art history, particularly recognized for his contributions to the Glasgow Boys movement and his distinctive approach to stained glass artistry. Born in Glasgow, he embarked on an artistic journey marked by meticulous craftsmanship and a profound engagement with diverse aesthetic traditions—Japanese prints and Pre-Raphaelite ideals—which profoundly shaped his oeuvre. Gauld’s formative years were spent honing his skills as a lithographer before enrolling at Glasgow School of Art in 1882, where he absorbed the burgeoning artistic currents of the era. His debut into public consciousness arrived in the late 1880s when he captivated audiences with a series of Japanese-influenced pen and ink drawings commissioned for *The Glasgow Weekly Citizen*, demonstrating an early fascination with Eastern visual culture. This collaboration cemented his association with William Stewart Macgeorge and Harrington Mann, establishing studios that fostered collaborative experimentation and artistic dialogue. During the period between 1891 and 1894, Gauld’s studio was situated in Kirkcudbright, where he undertook a pivotal project: designing stained glass windows for Guthrie and Wells. This undertaking showcased his mastery of color and texture, aligning with the stylistic ambitions of Art Nouveau—a movement characterized by organic forms and flowing lines—and foreshadowing its impact on subsequent artistic endeavors. The dissolution of his friendship with Mann in 1895 marked a turning point, prompting Gauld to relocate to new premises at 138 West George Street in Glasgow and continuing to reside in Kirkcudbright and North Berwick. Returning to Glasgow School of Art in 1889, Gauld pursued further artistic refinement alongside fellow artists from the Glasgow School, including William Shirreffs, who sculpted his portrait in 1896. He also spent time at Grez-sur-Loing, France—a renowned artist’s colony—immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere of Impressionism and fostering connections with influential contemporaries. Gauld was elected an associate member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1918 and ascended to full membership in 1924, solidifying his position within Scotland's artistic elite. Gauld’s artistic output spanned a diverse range of subjects—cattle, mills, and portraits—reflecting both his observational acuity and his willingness to explore stylistic experimentation. His works are prominently displayed in the Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the enduring legacy of his artistic vision. Notably, pieces like *St Agnes* and *Music* exemplify his pioneering spirit, anticipating the aesthetic sensibilities of Art Nouveau and cementing his place as a cornerstone of Scottish art history.

David Gauld

1865 - 1936 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Glasgow Boys; Art Nouveau; Pre-Raphaelites; Japanese influence
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Japanese art']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['William Stewart Macgeorge']
Date Of Birth: Glasgow, United Kingdom (1865)
Date Of Death: 1936
Full Name: David Gauld
Nationality: Scottish
Notable Artworks:
- St Agnes
- Music
Place Of Birth: Glasgow

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David Gauld: The Full Collection

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Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Protective Varnish

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

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Quick Facts

Art Quiz

Collectible Description

David Gauld’s “Two Calves”: A Fusion of Japanese Influence and Pre-Raphaelite Vision

Historical Context: The Glasgow Boys and Artistic Innovation

Symbolism: Tranquility and Pastoral Ideal