The artwork titled “Girl Tending a Cow in Pasture” is an oil on canvas painting by Camille Pissarro, completed in 1874. It aligns with the Impressionism movement and measures 46 x 54.5 cm. Classified as a genre painting, this piece showcases daily life and is held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a pastoral scene imbued with the qualities of natural light and color that are characteristic of Impressionist work. The central figure, a girl, is captured in the act of tending to a cow, which is grazing in the foreground. Her attire suggests a humble, rural life, and her pose is reflective of her engagement in her task. The cow dominates the scene with its rich brown hue against the green grass, which is dotted with white flowers.
In the background, a group of individuals can be seen laboring in the fields, further emphasizing the rural setting. A line of tall, thinly rendered trees separates the pasture from the sky, which is painted with soft, expressive brushstrokes of blue and white, indicating a dynamic skyscape. The painting employs loose, visible brushwork, a hallmark of Impressionism, which lends the scene vibrancy and movement. Overall, Pissarro’s artwork captures a serene, everyday moment with a sense of immediacy and the transience of light, showcasing the essence of Impressionist art.