Artwork
Young Shepherdess
Young Shepherdess is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jean François Millet. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
Jean-François Millet's 'Young Shepherdess' is a 1871 oil painting exemplifying the artist's focus on rural life.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young shepherdess seated on a rock, cradling a lamb, set against a serene landscape of rolling hills and cloudy sky. The scene embodies Millet's interest in agricultural labor and the everyday experiences of rural figures.
Technique & Style
Millet employed earthy tones and soft brushstrokes to convey a sense of warmth and tranquility, characteristic of his work within the Realism movement.
Context
As a key figure in the Barbizon school, Millet's work often represented the lives of rural peasants, reflecting his commitment to depicting the realities of agricultural labor.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-François Millet (French pronunciation: ; 4 October 1814 – 20 January 1875) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Barbizon school in rural France.
