The painting on a standing rectangular plan shows an autumn landscape with staffage. The painter showed a shepherdess walking along the edge of the forest and leading a small herd of cows. In the foreground there is a sparkling water surface and light reflecting in puddles, as well as impressive oak trees. In the background you can see a meadow (pasture), crossed by paths and situated on the edge of a deciduous forest. The work is characterized by delicate light falling at a small angle, which is typical of the autumn aura in our latitudes. The painter perfectly captured the mood of the moment on a sunny autumn afternoon. The way of showing nature is devoid of excessive picturesqueness, accompanied by an attempt to realistically reproduce the surrounding world. Perfectly mastered technique, carefully selected color palette, skillful use of light - all this indicates that we are dealing with an academic painter. The author of this work was undoubtedly influenced by Munich landscape painters and, above all, by the French Barbizonians.
Barbizonians, School of Barbizon - a group of French painters, active in the years 1830-1860 in the area of Barbizon (hence the name) and creating mainly landscapes. A group of painters, led by Théodore Rousseau, escaped from the expansive city to the countryside to avoid the dehumanization inherent in civilization. They chose the village of Barbizon near Fontainebleau as their place of retreat, where they could freely seek inspiration in nature while walking in the local forests. Most Barbizonians moved to the village in the 1840s. Landscape artists from Barbizon use a calm palette of earthy colors, and by patiently placing colorful spots and streaks, they achieve the effect of light flickering between tree branches. They draw from nature, then refine the canvas in the studio. It is difficult to talk about the distinct individuality of individual artists. Some painters preferred pure landscapes, others chose to portray animals, e.g. cows or forest animals. Others move towards naturalism, presenting scenes from the life of local villagers. In addition to Théodore Rousseau, the following people also painted in Barbizon: Camille Corot, Jean-François Millet, Charles-François Daubigny, Jules Dupré, Narcisse Díaz de la Peña, Constant Troyon, and Józef Szermentowski.
Author unknown, probably Germany or France. It was not possible to find the signature on the canvas in visible light. The only clue as to its authorship is an old torn sticker of a gallery or auction house, glued to the loom on the back of the painting, on which E. Lebeck (or E. Leberk?) was probably written in pen.
The time of its creation is probably the end of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century.
This painting is relatively large (height including the frame is almost 1 meter). An additional advantage of this painting is its beautiful, gold-plated, richly decorated frame, which is in good condition. The frame is wooden, massive, with beautiful ornamental decorations and floral motifs.
Oil on canvas. The painting is framed with ornamental decorations. Dimensions inside the frame: 66x49 cm. Dimensions including frame: 98.5x80.5 cm. Not signed. On the back there is a sticker with the inscription probably "E. Lebeck" (or E. Leberk?), next to "No 2". Additionally, there is an inscription on the loom: "E. Lebeck" (?), Oranienburger Straße 33
The painting is in good condition. In the lower left corner of the painting, there are visible vertical losses in the painting layer (abrasions), smaller abrasions in the lower part and in the corners. The canvas is in original condition - no visible interference or conservation work. The canvas is slightly dirty - requires cleaning. The frame is in very good condition - only minor defects visible.
