Description
The Shepherdess is an oil on canvas by the respected animal painter, Aymar Alexandre Pezant (French 1846-1916). Being a native of Normandy, Pezant absorbed the rich tradition of painting landscapes and scenes of daily life. Influenced by Vuillefroy Felix Dominique, Pezant dedicated most of his talent to the depiction of cattle and cows in plush landscapes. He often played with the effects of half-light on the landscapes. Later in life, he achieved multiple awards and recognitions.
This specific painting depicts a typical day of a countrywoman guiding a small herd into their pen with trig in hand. Her relaxed demeanor shows she is experienced in handling and guiding the flock. True to realism, the scene is ordinary and expressionless and offers the viewer a glimpse of this lady’s day. Anticipating getting grain to eat, the lead sheep makes her way into the pen without objection.
Aymar does a magnificent job of using color to portray a sunset atmosphere. The overall tone of the painting is calm and peaceful. It is a wonderful work of art from a well-respected artist and is signed and dated 1876.
With Frame: H= 20 in. W= 18 in. D= 2 in.
Canvas: H= 15 in. W= 13.25 in.
