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Italian Shepherd Boy

Washington Allston

1821

oil

canvas

From the collection of Brooklyn Museum

American Impressionism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Italian Shepherd Boy is a 1821 oil by Washington Allston, a American Impressionism work, held at Brooklyn Museum.

Who painted this?: Washington Allston
When & what style?: 1821 · American Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Brooklyn Museum

About this work

This painting depicts a young shepherd boy sitting on a rock, surrounded by lush greenery. He is barefoot and wears a simple tunic, with his right leg bent at the knee and his left leg extended. The boy holds a pipe in his right hand, and his head is turned to the right as if lost in thought. The background of the painting is dark and shadowy, with hints of foliage and trees. The overall mood of the painting is one of serenity and contemplation, with the shepherd boy appearing lost in his own thoughts. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique further.