Fifth Eclogue: Shepherds and Dryad Maidens Fill the Woods (Bergers et dryades) Possibly 1926

Aristide Maillol created this woodcut, entitled "Fifth Eclogue: Shepherds and Dryad Maidens Fill the Woods," sometime in the early 20th century. Maillol was part of the Nabis, a group of Post-Impressionist avant-garde artists, and was deeply inspired by classical antiquity. The idyllic scene with shepherds and mythical dryads offers a window into a nostalgic vision of rural life. This focus on pastoral subjects can be understood as a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of early 20th century Europe. However, the image also engages with ideas about gender and nature. The dryads, as tree spirits, embody a feminine connection to the natural world. It invites us to consider how such representations both celebrate and potentially limit women's roles in society. Is this artwork developing an alternative narrative to the dominant culture? What does it make you feel?