Artwork
Study of a Shepherd
Study of a Shepherd is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The sources do not record the circumstances of the 1978 acquisition, the identity of any prior owners, or whether the work was commissioned.
Study of a Shepherd is dated to 1700 and is recorded as having been produced in France. The painting entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the accession number 1978.125, indicating that it was acquired by the museum in 1978. No earlier ownership history, commission details, or intermediate provenance are documented in the available sources.
The sources do not record the circumstances of the 1978 acquisition, the identity of any prior owners, or whether the work was commissioned. Only the date of creation, place of origin, and current institutional holding are established.
The painting Study of a Shepherd, dated to 1700, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work is cataloged under the accession number 1978.125. Created in France, the piece measures 54.0 cm in height and 42.5 cm in width. No specific exhibition history is recorded in the provided sources.
Overview
The work, titled Study of a Shepherd, is a painted portrait of a bearded, curly‑haired man. He holds a wooden staff in his right hand while his left hand rests on his chest, and his expression is solemn. The figure is set against a dark background that isolates his face and emphasizes the contrast of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter appears to be a shepherd, suggested by the staff and the rustic demeanor. The serious gaze and hand placement convey a sense of introspection or responsibility, inviting viewers to consider the inner life of a humble laborer.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between illuminated skin and surrounding darkness to model the form in three dimensions. This handling of light highlights the texture of the beard and the contours of the face, a technique common in portraiture to suggest character.
Artist & collection
