The artwork titled “The Shepherdess” was created by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1873. Executed in oil on canvas, this painting belongs to the Academicism movement and is a portrait genre piece. Measuring 87.6 by 165.1 cm, it captures a serene and pastoral scene.
In the artwork, a young shepherdess is depicted holding a lamb tenderly in her arms, with another sheep standing close by her side. The shepherdess, clad in a simple yet detailed attire with a red headscarf and bare feet, exudes a sense of gentle compassion and calm. The background portrays a lush, verdant landscape, enhancing the rural and bucolic atmosphere of the scene. The use of soft, warm tones and meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of Bouguereau’s style, underscores the harmony and tranquility of pastoral life.