Artwork
The Sleeping Shepherd : Seascape, with moonlight effect
The Sleeping Shepherd : Seascape, with moonlight effect is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Poole. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work, executed in watercolour in 1879, presents a nocturnal coastal scene in which a shepherd lies asleep beside his flock.
About this work
Overview
The work, executed in watercolour in 1879, presents a nocturnal coastal scene in which a shepherd lies asleep beside his flock. Moonlight bathes the calm sea and the darkened sky, creating a tranquil atmosphere that emphasizes stillness and repose.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a shepherd, is shown in a moment of rest, his posture relaxed while his sheep remain nearby. The composition suggests a pause in the daily labor of pastoral life, inviting contemplation of the relationship between humanity, nature, and the quiet of night.
Technique & Style
Rendered with water‑soluble pigments, the artist employs a muted palette of blues, greys and soft earth tones. Delicate washes convey the subtle illumination of moonlight on water and sky, while fine brushwork defines the shepherd and his animals without disrupting the overall serenity.
History & Provenance
Signed and dated by the creator, the painting is linked to the circle of Harry Johnson, a Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours member. The shepherd’s likeness is thought to be based on Johnson’s red‑haired daughter, indicating a personal connection between the artist and the subject.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Poole is a coastal town and seaport on the south coast of England in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area in Dorset, England.
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