French Barbizon Oil Painting of Cattle Herd by Pablo Martinez del Rio, 1870s

A French Barbizon School oil on canvas painting of cattle herd in a landscape by Pablo (Pierre) Martinez Del Rio, second half of the 19th century. This French plein air painting features an exquisite depiction of a cattle herd, lead from afar by their shepherd and welcoming in their group a single sheep. The central cow in the foreground draws us in, subtly leading our eye to the rest of the scene. The position of the herd behind her, invites us to discover the background, showcasing the shepherd, a stream and the luscious woods. The darkening sky suggests that a storm is coming. Its deep colors highlights the rest of the palette perfectly. The Barbizon School, lead by the charismatic Camille Corot, explored the vast possibilities of plein-air painting, in the mesmerizing forest of Fontainebleau, in the south or Paris. Thanks to the invention of paint in tubes, the Barbizon artists could satisfy their desire to paint on site, leading the way for Impressionist artists. Set inside a lovely carved giltwood frame, this French oil on canvas painting, circa 1870, signed lower left, will bring a touch of elegance and simplicity to any decor.