Cowherds, Bazincourt 1890

Camille Pissarro made this watercolor, ink, and gouache drawing of Cowherds in Bazincourt, sometime in the late 19th century in France. Pissarro was known for his interest in rural life and the working class, at a time when the French art world was dominated by academic painting and the glorification of the bourgeoisie. In this image, the cowherds and their herd are placed in the center foreground. In the background, the village of Bazincourt is vaguely visible. This composition emphasizes the integral role of agricultural workers in French society, subtly challenging the prevailing social hierarchy. To truly understand this work, we can consult historical records, agricultural studies, and social commentaries from the period. By considering such sources we can appreciate how Pissarro's art reflected and engaged with the social and institutional conditions of his time.