This landscape painting, titled "Shepherd with his sheep at the edge of the forest," was created by the artist A. Durieux, likely Alfred Durieux, in 1921. The artwork is characterized by a vertical composition that skillfully portrays a pastoral scene. At the forefront of the painting, there's a tranquil water pond that beautifully mirrors the sky, creating a striking sense of symmetry in the composition.

The central focus of the painting is a shepherd diligently tending to his flock of sheep at the edge of a forest. The level of detail in the rendering of this scene is impressive, contributing to an authentic atmosphere that draws the viewer into the pastoral setting. The artist's use of a light pastel color palette imparts a feeling of serenity and peaceful contemplation, enhancing the overall mood of the painting.

Despite the relatively small dimensions of the artwork (36 x 27 cm), the choice of a vertical composition cleverly conveys a sense of spaciousness. It accomplishes this by providing a glimpse of the small proportions of the human figure—the shepherd—against the vast expanse of the surrounding natural landscape. This juxtaposition emphasizes the insignificance of the individual within the grandeur of nature, a recurring theme in many landscape paintings.

Details:
Artist: A. Durieux (Alfred)
Title: Shepherd with his sheep at the edge of the forest
Date: 1921
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 36 x 27 cm
Condition Report: In good condition
Signature and date: Located in the lower left corner

Alfred Durieux's "Shepherd with his sheep at the edge of the forest" exemplifies the artist's talent in capturing the tranquility and harmony of pastoral life. The meticulous attention to detail and the thoughtful composition make this artwork a testament to the enduring allure of nature and its ability to inspire serenity and contemplation.