Shepherdess, 1888 1888

"Shepherdess" is a 1888 bronze plaquette by French sculptor Louis-Oscar Roty, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work showcases Roty's skilled use of relief sculpture, capturing a shepherdess standing with her staff against a tree, while a flock of sheep grazes in the background. The detailed carving creates a sense of depth and movement, a hallmark of Roty's style, which was known for its naturalistic depiction of everyday life. This small-scale work demonstrates Roty's masterful ability to convey emotion and narrative within a compact format.