Cattle by a Pool c. 1850

Charles François Daubigny created this etching of ‘Cattle by a Pool.’ Daubigny, a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, often sought to capture the French countryside. Consider Daubigny’s artistic roots in the mid-19th century, a time marked by significant social and economic changes in France. As urban centers grew, the countryside became a symbol of an idealized, simpler past. Daubigny, like many artists of his time, was part of a broader cultural movement that romanticized rural life. Note how the soft, diffused light and serene composition evoke a sense of tranquility, far removed from the industrializing cities. Daubigny’s choice to depict cattle, central to the rural economy, imbues the scene with a working-class presence, subtly acknowledging the labor that sustained this idyllic setting. Daubigny once said, "I work for myself and for nature." Through his art, he creates a space for viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world.