The artwork, “Young shepherd in repose (Alexander Thurneysson),” is a creation by the revered artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, completed in the year 1911. Utilizing the medium of oil on canvas, Renoir embodied the essence of the Impressionist art movement in this portrait. Currently, the artwork is housed within the esteemed collection of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD Museum) located in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
The artwork is a lush and vibrant depiction of a young shepherd resting. Renoir’s mastery of Impressionist techniques is evident in the soft, dappled brushstrokes that lend a dreamlike quality to the scene. The subject, presumably Alexander Thurneysson, is presented reclining in a natural environment, the leisurely pose suggesting a moment of respite. The shepherd wears a straw hat and is adorned with a garment that appears to be made of sheepskin, hinting at the pastoral life and occupation of the figure. His gaze is directed away from the viewer, lost in contemplation or perhaps observing something in the distance. The palette is rich with warm tones, and the presence of flora and the suggestion of birds in flight in the background contribute to an overall sense of serene bucolic bliss. Renoir’s skillful use of color and light imbues the portrait with a sense of harmony and tranquility characteristic of his later works.
