image 097 National Museum of Women in the Arts

Here we observe a pastoral scene dominated by a flock of sheep resting on a grassy hillside overlooking the sea. The composition is structured around a foreground group of three sheep – two adults and a lamb – which are positioned prominently in the lower portion of the canvas. Their woolly coats, rendered with meticulous detail, display a range of warm browns and golds, catching the light from an unseen source. Behind them, other sheep are scattered across the slope, their forms softening into the background as atmospheric perspective diminishes their clarity.
The landscape itself is characterized by a gentle undulation, transitioning from lush green grass in the foreground to rocky outcrops along the coastline. The sea stretches out towards the horizon, its surface subtly textured with brushstrokes that suggest movement and distance. A hazy sky, painted in muted blues and whites, contributes to the overall sense of tranquility and spaciousness.
The artist’s handling of light is particularly noteworthy. It illuminates the sheeps coats, creating a palpable sense of warmth and volume. The diffused quality of the light suggests either early morning or late afternoon, imbuing the scene with a quiet, contemplative mood.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of rural life, domesticity, and harmony with nature. The presence of the sheep, traditionally symbols of innocence and gentleness, reinforces this sense of pastoral idyll. The vastness of the sea in the background hints at both freedom and potential danger, suggesting a broader context beyond the immediate tranquility of the scene. The composition’s emphasis on natural forms and muted colors contributes to an overall feeling of serenity and timelessness.