Shepherdess c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Shepherdess" by Joseph Foxcroft Cole, at the Harvard Art Museums. The serene scene of a shepherdess watching over her flock is quite pastoral. What symbols do you find most compelling in this piece? Curator: The sheep, of course, carry immense symbolic weight, historically representing innocence, purity, and belonging. The shepherdess embodies guidance and protection. How does the landscape itself contribute to this symbolism? Editor: It feels idyllic, a safe haven. The path winding into the distance suggests a journey, perhaps of life itself. Curator: Precisely. The image evokes a sense of timelessness. The enduring human relationship with nature and the land creates a powerful, lasting impression, don't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, it is a connection that resonates even today. Thank you!