#36397 Francisco Iturrino

The canvas presents a scene of rural labor, dominated by a herd of cattle being driven across a landscape. A central figure, mounted on horseback and wielding a long pole, leads the procession. Another individual, similarly equipped, is visible further back in the composition, maintaining the flow of the animals.
The artist’s brushwork is characterized by broad strokes and a limited palette, lending a sense of immediacy and rough texture to the scene. The colors are earthy – greens, browns, and muted yellows – suggesting an arid or semi-arid environment. Light appears diffuse, lacking strong directional qualities, which contributes to a flattened perspective and emphasizes the mass of the animals.
The composition is structured around diagonal lines created by the movement of the herd and the posture of the riders. This dynamism contrasts with the static quality of the background, which consists primarily of an indistinct horizon line. The cattle themselves are rendered in varying shades of gray and black, their forms simplified to essential shapes. Their collective presence conveys a sense of scale and power.
The rider in the foreground is depicted with a stoic expression, his gaze directed forward, suggesting determination or perhaps resignation. His attire – a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting shirt – reinforces his identity as a working man connected to the land. The second figure, receding into the distance, appears smaller and less defined, highlighting the solitary nature of this labor.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of tradition, endurance, and the relationship between humans and animals in an agricultural setting. The repetitive motion of driving cattle implies a cyclical existence, bound to the rhythms of nature and the demands of livelihood. There is a certain melancholy inherent in the scene; it speaks not only of work but also of isolation and the vastness of the landscape. The simplification of forms and the muted color scheme contribute to an overall feeling of quiet dignity and understated strength.