Who painted Mocan cioban?

Mocan cioban was painted by Nicolae Grigorescu in 1882.

Where can I see Mocan cioban?

Mocan cioban is held by King Ferdinand I National Military Museum.

Artwork

Mocan cioban

Mocan cioban is a print by Nicolae Grigorescu. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the King Ferdinand I National Military Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1882, “Mocan cioban” is an oil painting by Romanian artist Nicolae Grigorescu. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of 19th‑century genre painting that focuses on rural life.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a shepherd dressed in traditional Romanian costume: a white shirt, brown vest and a fur mantle draped over his shoulders. He stands against a plain, muted brown backdrop, emphasizing his solitary presence and suggesting a quiet, everyday moment in the pastoral world.

Technique & Style

Grigorescu employs a restrained palette of earthy tones, allowing the figure’s clothing to stand out without elaborate detail. The composition is simple, with the sitter centered and the background unadorned, creating an intimate focus on the subject’s demeanor and attire.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings sometime after its creation, joining a broader collection of works that document Romanian folk culture. Its attribution to Grigorescu has been consistently recognized in museum catalogues and scholarly references.

Artist & collection

Artist

Nicolae Grigorescu

Nicolae Grigorescu was one of the founders of modern Romanian painting. He is considered by Romanians the greatest Romanian painter, and one of the founders of modern Romanian art. He is most known for paintings…

Museum

King Ferdinand I National Military Museum

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