“The Young Shepherdess” is a portrait by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, created in 1885. Executed using oil on canvas, the artwork measures 72.4 x 157.5 cm and belongs to the Academicism art movement. Currently housed in the San Diego Museum of Art in San Diego, CA, US, the piece depicts a young girl in a pastoral setting.
In the artwork, a barefoot young shepherdess stands in a serene landscape. She is seen in profile, with her body slightly turned towards the viewer, and she gazes back over her shoulder. The girl wears a simple, yet elegantly rendered, blue skirt and white blouse, which are meticulously detailed, conveying a sense of realism. Her hands are clasped behind her back, holding a small branch. The background features expansive fields with grazing sheep, adding to the bucolic charm. The sky above is soft and hazy, contributing to the overall tranquil and contemplative mood of the composition.
