The Shepherdess
1880
About this artwork
This watercolor depicts a young shepherdess resting in a grassy field while her flock of sheep grazes nearby. It is a signature example of Homer's pastoral work, characterized by light washes and loose, descriptive brushwork.
Did you know?
Winslow Homer painted this work during a pivotal time in his career while he was staying in Houghton, England. The local surroundings heavily influenced his transition from popular illustrations to the mastery of watercolor as an independent medium, reflecting the quiet, rural life of the English coast.
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The Shepherdess
Winslow Homer, 1880